The NHL Has Confirmed What Many Suspected Regarding Leafs-Panthers Series

For the 2nd time in the last 3 years, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers will be meeting one another in the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Maple Leafs are hoping for a better result than the one that befell them in 2023, as they were eliminated by the Panthers in just 5 games. the Panthers arrive as the defending Stanley Cup champions, though they would ultimately need to wait a year before winning hockey's greatest prize.

The Maple Leafs will enjoy home ice advantage in the series; however, the Panthers arrive as the defending Stanley Cup champions, having defeated the Edmonton Oilers last spring in a thrilling 7-game series in what was their 2nd straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.

The National Hockey League has confirmed what many were suspecting in terms of the scheduling - Game 1 between the Maple Leafs and Panthers is indeed set and confirmed for Monday evening from Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is expected to occur shortly after 8:00PM ET.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, who helped Toronto to just their 2nd postseason series victory since 2004, stated the obvious when it came to the Panthers - they're a very good team.

The Panthers took 3 of 4 regular season games from the Maple Leafs during the season series in 2024-25 -- a trend they're hoping can continue into the playoffs.

For the Leafs, it's going to be about striking early and getting out to a strong series lead on home ice before they head into Florida for Games 3 and 4.

If they can take both games at home, they'll be setting themselves up for success, as they've been a very good road team this season.