The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers will be squaring off in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This is a rematch from two years ago when the Panthers dispatched the Maple Leafs in five games.
But entering this series, the general feeling around the matchup is more of the same. Florida is a true juggernaut once again, and they will be looking to keep their repeat chances alive.
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Toronto struggled in the first round against the Ottawa Senators, giving some thought to how this series may play out. But the Maple Leafs are a very talented team, however, they have fallen short of expectations in recent years.
Insider Mark Larkin of DailyFaceoff has predicted that the Panthers will come out on top in this series. Larkin has Florida taking down Toronto in a six-game series.
“That said: the Panthers made it look frighteningly easy against a very good Tampa team. The Leafs had a tough enough time against the Sens, with three games going to overtime, and the Panthers’ superior finishing ability makes them so much more dangerous. The Leafs had just enough trouble with Ottawa that beating Florida feels like too big a mountain to summit.”
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) makes a save against Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Toronto can silence a ton of doubters if it can take down the Panthers. However, this will be easier said than done, especially since the Panthers won three of four games in the regular season.
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Fans should be in line for a great playoff series, with two teams looking to make very different statements. Toronto will have home ice advantage in the matchup, potentially giving them a slight edge entering the series.
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