When a team makes it to the Stanley Cup Final two years in a row and wins it once, you can safely say they’ve learned how to handle the pressure of playoff hockey. They know how to win when it really matters. On the other hand, when a team often loses in big games, it might mean they’ve become used to losing—and that’s showing now.
This is exactly what’s happening in the second-round NHL playoff series between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs started strong, winning the first two games of the series. They were even leading 2-0 in Game 3. But after that, it’s like everything fell apart.
Leafs Struggling to Keep Up
Toronto’s biggest stars are having a tough time. Not only are they not scoring goals, but their mistakes are helping the Panthers score. Their power play, which is when they have more players on the ice due to penalties, has stopped working. The goalkeeping isn’t strong either, and players from the lower lines—the so-called “depth scorers”—are just not delivering. It’s almost like the Leafs need to Google what “depth scoring” even means.
Panthers Stepping Up with Team Effort
The Panthers, in contrast, are looking sharp and focused. In Game 5, which they won 6-1, they got goals from players like Niko Mikkola, Dmitry Kulikov, Jesper Boqvist, and A.J. Greer—none of whom are considered stars. That shows how deep and strong their team really is.
They’re skating faster, fighting harder for the puck, and playing with more heart. Their goalie is also improving game by game. Coach Craig Berube of the Leafs even admitted it after the game. “They outskated us, they had the puck, they won the races, and we just played slow,” he said. “They were fast, they were honest, they were hungrier.”
Can the Leafs Make a Comeback?
Unless the Maple Leafs step up their game and the Panthers somehow slow down, the series could be over soon. The Panthers are now just one win away from becoming the Atlantic Division playoff champions. Game 6 is set for Friday night, and if the Leafs want to stay in the race, they’ll need to completely turn things around.
The fans are frustrated, the pressure is on, and the Leafs are running out of time. It’s a do-or-die moment for Toronto. We’ll have to wait and see if they can pull off a miracle or if the Panthers will skate into the next round.
The Florida Panthers have shown what it means to fight hard and play as a team in the NHL playoffs. The Maple Leafs, even with all their talent, are proving once again that without focus and effort, winning is tough—especially in the playoffs. This series is a clear example of how attitude, teamwork, and hunger can make a huge difference in sports. Game 6 will be the Leafs’ biggest test so far.
