Have the Maple Leafs Finally Found a Formula to Beat the Panthers?

May 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) shake hands after game seven of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, if the Toronto Maple Leafs were to add some serious bottom-six scoring, it could be their chance to take the Panthers out.

With last season’s heartbreaking Game Seven loss to the Florida Panthers still lingering in the minds of Maple Leafs fans, it’s always going to be a debate about what they could have done differently after such an utter collapse.For sure the loss of Anthony Stolarz hurt them, and yet again it was the lack of production from the team’s top stars when it mattered however it was one season-long glaring issue that really poked its nasty head out.The lack of secondary scoring was a sore sport for the team all season, and while they got some surprises like Max Domi and Max Pacioretty, guys like Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson didn’t add much, and Scott Laughton never looked comfortable.

Why Secondary Scoring Remains the Leafs’ Biggest Playoff Question

It’s something that has definitely been improved on this year but in hindsight it could have helped them beat Florida.

At least that’s what Darren Dreger thinks, as the NHL Insider mentioned recently that if Toronto had some depth scoring; the series may have been different.

It wasn’t just the Sam Bennett and Alex Barkov show, nor was it just Matthew Tkachuk bearing the brunt of the offensive load. It was a team dependent on everyone contributing and clearly it’s worked.Could a Player Like Nicolas Roy Solve Toronto’s Bottom-Six Problem?Which is why it was important for Toronto to be able to get Nic Roy back in the Mitch Marner deal, as he is the perfect secondary option that doesn’t sacrifice the need for defense.Roy isn’t a 30-goal scorer, but he’s an underrated playmaker who has playoff scoring chops, and was one of the reasons why the Golden Knights were able to win the Cup in 2023.

He’s a much better offensive alternative to a Scott Laughton, and is more dependable than a McMann or Robertson when it comes to scoring consistently when it matters.

Knowing how important it is that they capitalize on any of their opportunities, be it from the first line to the fourth. Adding the right amount of balance whether it’s scoring, playmaking ,toughness and defense; that’s what wins championships.

With how Toronto has been built this season, they very well could end up changing the narrative.