You knew the Leafs wouldn’t go down without a fight in Game 6. In their Second-Round Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff series versus the Florida Panthers, the Toronto Maple Leafs were just trying anyway they could to force a Game 7 back at the friendly confines of Scotiabank Arena on Sunday night, on Sportsnet. Imagine the atmosphere. However, the series hasn’t gone their way thus far. Just what would Game 6 bring from Sunrise, Florida.
Leafs, Panthers Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round
Matthew Knies not being at 100% was clearly unlucky for the team. He had looked very uncomfortable on the bench for sometime. It was obvious that he could be out of action.
It happened on a collision with Niko Mikkola of the Florida Panthers. Moreover, and somewhat speculative, but it looked like a hip injury. The type of injury that can be very difficult to move around the ice when experiencing. In a tough elimination, Game 6, you need to be able to skate hard when needed.
There were definitely some chances on the power play through the second period of this one. That was surprising as the score remained 0-0 through 40 minutes. Furthermore, this just simply extenuated the injury to Matthew Knies and the potential impact it had on this game, and ultimately, potentially, the series.
It All Came Down to the Third Period for the Leafs
With the series, and their season on the line, with the score remaining 0-0 entering the final frame, you knew you needed to almost expect anything to go down. When Auston Matthews scored just over six minutes into the third period, thus enacting revenge for a tough exchange of a missed, followed by a called, high sticking penalty sequence previously in the game, it seemed the Leafs had taken the momentum in Game 6.
AUSTON MATTHEWS WITH HIS FIRST OF THE SERIES AND IT COULDN’T HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME
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In contrast, especially with the benefit of last change, you knew the Florida Panthers were going to show they are very resilient. They are a hard-nosed team to play against, and with the added benefit of the experience of last year’s Stanley Cup championship. They are a group, led by head coach Paul Maurice, that knows what it takes to get it done.
Oilers are the first Canadian franchise to make back-to-back Conference Final appearances since the Maple Leafs in 1993 & 1994
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In the end, this one was for the Leafs. They battled hard as a team and never gave up. Max Pacioretty was rewarded as the recipient of a nice Bobby McMann saucer. As difficult as it maybe to play through the Panthers tough, physical style, the Leafs found a way to keep their foot on the accelerator. The team’s emotions were exemplified by the captain after the 2-0 victory.
“Skated well, forechecked well.” Matthews exclaimed to Sportsnet reporter Kyle Bukauskas postgame. “Gutsy one to keep our season alive.”
After Winning Game 6, the Leafs force a Game 7 versus the Panthers in this Year’s Playoffs
Matthews was clearly fired up with the Game 6 victory. It was the type of leadership performance you need this time of year. He needed to step up, and he did. Game 7, back in Toronto, Sunday night. You know the Panthers will have an answer, this will be a great finish to a great battle between two worthy opponents.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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