It was an intense contest between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers, who are leading the series 3-1 after a win by the Maple Leafs in this past evening’s game between the two.
This contest was indeed Toronto’s make-or-break game, as the teams are heading back to Toronto for Game 5.
How did the Toronto Maple Leafs fare against the Florida Panthers?
For Toronto, this game was indeed in their favor, as the defense throughout the game had taken over. Not to mention, the pace the Leafs team played with limited the Panthers’ offense and took control of the puck possession battle throughout the night.
Florida had many opportunities, but Joseph Woll shut down the door for 24 saves on 25 shots on goal. His outstanding play, coming in as a rookie goaltender to start the Stanley Cup Playoffs, helped give the Toronto Maple Leafs the victory.
Mitch Marner and William Nylander scored a goal each to break out of their slumps.
Unlike in the past three games, Toronto won the faceoff aspect with 28 versus 17 for Florida, which shaped the game in the Leafs’ favor. They also won in the hits department with 26 as opposed to 21 for the Panthers.
This game was a tight-knit game, which in my opinion, both teams wanted. It worked out for the Leafs against a dangerous Florida Panthers team.
What to expect from the Maple Leafs and Panthers in Game 5.
This series, in my opinion, is just getting started for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will look to complete the comeback if possible in the next three games.
For the Florida Panthers, staying relaxed and playing their complete game is the key to success, and attempting to close out the series in Toronto will be difficult, but not impossible. It may depend more on how the Maple Leafs come out playing.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs do come out with a win in Game 5, we will have ourselves an interesting series to watch, and surely it will be entertaining for the fans as well.