NHL Makes Important Announcement Regarding Game 5 Between the Leafs and Panthers

With the Maple Leafs on the verge of a potential 3-0 series lead on Friday, the Florida Panthers managed to claw their way back with a crucial overtime victory to make the series a lot more interesting.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunities either as the Maple Leafs held two separate two-goal leads. However, the Panthers roared back with three unanswered goals in the second period take their first lead of the game before Morgan Rielly forced overtime.

Overtime was a back and forth affair before Brad Marchand iced it with 4:33 remaining in the first session off of an unfortunate bounce against Rielly. With the Panthers back in the series, all eyes will now be focused towards a pivotal Game 4 on Sunday.

Due to the Panthers forcing a Game 5 with a victory on Friday night, the NHL hadn't yet revealed the start time or date for Wednesday's game. According to Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun, the Maple Leafs are due for battle against the Panthers at 7:00 PM (EST) on Wednesday night af Scotiabank Arena.

With the health of Anthony Stolarz up in the air, the Leafs might have to keep going back to Joseph Woll in goal as the 26-year-old continues to try to find his footing at the most important juncture of the season. He hasn't been sharp, but he's also been thrust into an unenviable position with Stolarz on the mend.

Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be many question marks heading into future contests with core players like William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner continuing to lead the way offensively. Auston Matthews could use a goal to get over his scoring slump, but he's done enough to keep up with the rest of his teammates at more than a point per game.

A victory in Game 4 will allow the Leafs to push the Panthers towards the brink of elimination heading back to Scotiabank Arena, but a loss would even the series and ultimately shift momentum on the side of the Panthers.