Hockey: Why these Maple Leafs are the best version we have seen

The Toronto Maple Leafs came into the second round as their biggest playoff underdogs since 2017 — back when their core was still growing facial hair and gaining experience. Fast forward to now: three nights, nine goals, and suddenly, they have the defending champion Florida Panthers reeling. With a chance to end Florida’s run in Fort Lauderdale, Toronto is chasing history. The last team to knock out the Panthers? The 2023 Stanley Cup–winning Vegas Golden Knights.

Vegas also led Florida 2-0 in a series — a hole the Panthers have never climbed out of, sitting 0-5 when trailing by two games in a best-of-seven.

Leafs fans should savor this — it’s already the deepest playoff run of the Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner–William Nylander–Morgan Rielly era. A thrilling, occasionally nerve-wracking 15-3 run has led them here. But the job isn’t done.

The Panthers pushed hard right to the buzzer in Game 2’s 4-3 win for Toronto, and they won’t go quietly. “They got the best of us in their building,” said Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad. “We’ll find a way to do it in ours.”

While Florida bullied their way past Ottawa with shot-blocking and gritty play, the Leafs have responded with higher intensity, smarter discipline, and lethal 5-on-5 scoring. “Shows how dangerous they are,” warned Brad Marchand. “Doesn’t take much for them to score. We have to be nearly perfect defensively.”

Toronto has cracked Sergei Bobrovsky — the same goalie who shut them down in Round 2 two years ago. They’ve scored on him off the rush, from distance, and on rebounds. Mitch Marner’s 56-foot wrister for the Game 2 winner was the latest example.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice wasn’t thrilled with Bobrovsky in Game 1, but stood by him after Game 2: “We didn’t give up a ton, but the rush chances were dangerous. The goalie will be fine.” Ekblad added, “God mode — that’s what we’ve come to love about Bobby. Plus, he’s the greatest person on Earth.”

Still, all the usual Leafs playoff warning signs — poor special teams, weak goaltending, undisciplined play, top-heavy scoring — have been absent so far. In fact, they’ve responded quickly to every opponent’s surge: in three straight games, goals by Perron, Jones, and Lundell were answered within two minutes by Pacioretty, Rielly, and Marner. This team looks deeper, smarter, and more resilient.

“Absolutely,” Marchand admitted. “They’ve added good pieces, especially on the back end. They’re tough, structured, and don’t give up much around the net. Their top guys are making the most of every opportunity.”

William Nylander has been the driving force, now tied with Connor McDavid for the playoff scoring lead (13 points). But he’s not alone. Max Pacioretty, healthy and energized, has chipped in six points in three games with top-six minutes. The defense has been active offensively, and even with Anthony Stolarz going down in Game 2, Joseph Woll stepped in calmly and got the win.

“That’s what we need,” Nylander said. “Everyone just working hard and doing all the little things. We didn’t dominate, but we had guys all over the ice doing the details that don’t always show up on the scoresheet.”

Pacioretty, whose power-play goal broke Florida’s perfect PK streak and who assisted on Nylander’s goal, knows Bobrovsky won’t stay down. “It’s not going to last,” he said. “We’ve got to make life harder for him next game. Get in his kitchen, keep him deep in his net.”

As the series shifts south, the challenge only grows. Florida is desperate — and dangerous. “These series can flip fast,” Marchand cautioned.

Still, Brad Treliving has to be pleased with the payoff from adding Pacioretty. At 36, he’s showing he still has game, and the $626,230 in future cap overage feels like a worthy cost. “He’s moving great,” said Marner. “After what he’s been through physically, it’s awesome to see him play at this level.”

Craig Berube offered high praise for Nylander: “He thrives in big moments. Pressure doesn’t faze him. That goal he scored — just incredible hands. He’s got elite edgework, and he doesn’t overthink it. He just plays. And honestly, he doesn’t want to hear from me. He just wants to be left alone to do his thing.”

Reno Silva/MS