The Florida Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, commenced their second-round series against the Maple Leafs in Toronto with a 5-4 defeat on Monday night. Despite a slow start, they mounted a late push for a comeback, reflecting a recent trend in these playoffs.
Toronto established a seemingly strong 4-1 lead in the second period thanks to two goals from William Nylander and individual markers from Matthew Knies and Chris Tanev. A significant moment of controversy occurred when Panthers forward Sam Bennett`s elbow struck Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolars in the head, forcing Stolars out of the game. No penalty was called on the play, much to the displeasure of Leafs coach Craig Berube.
“Elbow to the head,” Berube stated. “Clear as day… I understand they miss calls, but that was clearly a penalty.” Toronto confirmed Stolars was undergoing evaluation but provided no further updates.
Trailing 4-1 heading into the third period, the Panthers outscored the Maple Leafs 3-1, with goals coming from Eetu Luostarinen, Uvis Balinskis, and Bennett. However, Florida was unable to find the crucial equalizer.
Joseph Woll stopped 17 of the 20 shots he faced, which proved just enough for the Maple Leafs to secure the Game 1 victory and a 1-0 series lead.
“We didn`t look like ourselves,” commented Florida`s coach, Paul Maurice, regarding his team`s opening performance. He added that they “righted it in the second and after that had a pretty good push in the third.” Game 2 is scheduled to take place back in Toronto on Wednesday.
In the other Eastern Conference matchup, the Washington Capitals are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals emerged victorious from a challenging first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, highlighted by impressive goaltending from Logan Thompson, who posted a 2.23 goals-against-average. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils in five games and are aiming to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in the last four seasons.
Out in the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets are matched up against the Dallas Stars. Both teams are coming off grueling seven-game first-round series. Winnipeg will be looking for improved performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who had a 3.85 goals-against-average in Round 1. The Stars, on the other hand, might receive a boost from the potential return of injured players like forward Jason Robertson and defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who were absent for the first round.
Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights overcame a 2-1 series deficit against the Minnesota Wild in the opening round, winning three consecutive games to advance. The Golden Knights displayed a balanced offensive attack throughout the series, with Jack Eichel contributing five points in the final three contests. The Edmonton Oilers also rallied in their first-round series, coming back from a 2-0 hole to defeat the Los Angeles Kings in six games, fueled by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who combined for 21 points.
Round 2 Schedule & Results
(1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (3) Florida Panthers
Game 1: Maple Leafs 5, Panthers 4 |
Game 2: Wednesday, May 7 | 7 p.m. | at TOR | ESPN
Game 3: Friday, May 9 | 7 p.m. | at FLA | TNT/truTV/Max
Game 4: Sunday, May 11 | 7:30 p.m. | at FLA | TBS/truTV/Max
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | TBD | at TOR | ESPN
*Game 6: Friday, May 16 | TBD | at FLA | TNT/truTV/Max
*Game 7: Sunday, May 18 | TBD | at TOR | TNT/Max
(1) Washington Capitals vs. (2) Carolina Hurricanes
Game 1: Tuesday, May 6 | 7 p.m. | at WSH | ESPN
Game 2: Thursday, May 8 | 7 p.m. | at WSH | ESPN
Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | 6 p.m. | at CAR | TNT/truTV/Max
Game 4: Monday, May 12 | 7 p.m. | at CAR | TNT/truTV/Max
*Game 5: Thursday, May 15 | TBD | at WSH | TNT/truTV/Max
*Game 6: Saturday, May 17 | TBD | at CAR | TBD
*Game 7: Monday, May 19 | TBD | at WSH | ESPN
(1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (2) Dallas Stars
Game 1: Wednesday, May 7 | 9:30 p.m. | at WPG | ESPN
Game 2: Friday, May 9 | 9:30 p.m. | at WPG | TNT/truTV/Max
Game 3: Saturday, May 11 | 4:30 p.m. | at DAL | TBS/truTV/Max
Game 4: Tuesday, May 13 | 8 p.m. | at DAL | ESPN
*Game 5: Thursday, May 15 | TBD | at Jets | TNT/truTV/Max
*Game 6: Saturday, May 17 | TBD | at DAL | TBD
*Game 7: Monday, May 19 | TBD | at WPG | ESPN
(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3) Edmonton Oilers
Game 1: Tuesday, May 6 | 9:30 p.m. | at VGK | ESPN
Game 2: Thursday, May 8 | 9:30 p.m. | at VGK | ESPN
Game 3: Saturday, May 10 | 9 p.m. | at EDM | TNT/truTV/Max
Game 4: Monday, May 12 | 9:30 | at EDM | TNT/truTV/Max
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 14 | TBD | at VGK | ESPN
*Game 6: Friday, May 16 | TBD | at EDM | TNT/truTV/Max
*Game 7: Sunday, May 18 | TBD | at VGK | TNT/Max
Round 1 Results
(1) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators
Game 1: Maple Leafs 6, Senators 2 |
Game 2: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT) |
Game 3: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT) |
Game 4: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT) |
Game 5: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 0 |
Game 6: Maple Leafs 4, Senators 2 |
(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Florida Panthers
Game 1: Panthers 6, Lightning 2 |
Game 2: Panthers 2, Lightning 0 |
Game 3: Lightning 5, Panthers 1 |
Game 4: Panthers 4, Lightning 2 |
Game 5: Panthers 6, Lightning 3 |
(1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens
Game 1: Capitals 3, Canadiens 2 (OT) |
Game 2: Capitals 3, Canadiens 1 |
Game 3: Canadiens 6, Capitals 3 |
Game 4: Capitals 5, Canadiens 2 |
Game 5: Capitals 4, Canadiens 1 |
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) New Jersey Devils
Game 1: Hurricanes 4, Devils 1 |
Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Devils 1 |
Game 3: Devils 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT) |
Game 4: Hurricanes 5, Devils 2 |
Game 5: Hurricanes 5, Devils 4 (2OT) |
(1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues
Game 1: Jets 5, Blues 3 |
Game 2: Jets 2, Blues 1 |
Game 3: Blues 7, Jets 2 |
Game 4: Blues 5, Jets 1 |
Game 5: Jets 5, Blues 3 |
Game 6: Blues 5, Jets 2 |
Game 7: Jets 4, Blues 3 (2OT) |
(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: Avalanche 5, Stars 1 |
Game 2: Stars 4, Avalanche 3 (OT) |
Game 3: Stars 2, Avalanche 1 (OT) |
Game 4: Avalanche 4, Stars 0 |
Game 5: Stars 6, Avalanche 2 |
Game 6: Avalanche 7, Stars 4 |
Game 7: Stars 4, Avalanche 2 |
(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Wild 2 |
Game 2: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2 |
Game 3: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2 |
Game 4: Golden Knights 4, Wild 3 (OT) |
Game 5: Golden Knights 3, Wild 2 (OT) |
Game 6: Golden Knights 3, Wild 2 |
(2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (3) Edmonton Oilers
Game 1: Kings 6, Oilers 5 |
Game 2: Kings 6, Oilers 2 |
Game 3: Oilers 7, Kings 4 |
Game 4: Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT) |
Game 5: Oilers 3, Kings 1 |
Game 6: Oilers 6, Kings 4 |
Torin Vale 
Elton Marrow