Leafs Blank Panthers in Game 6 to Force Decisive Showdown in Toronto

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The Toronto Maple Leafs live to fight another day.

With their season on the line, the Leafs delivered a gritty, determined performance to defeat the Florida Panthers 2-0 in Game 6 on Friday night. The win evens the second-round series at 3-3 and sets up a dramatic Game 7 showdown in Toronto on Sunday.

🚫 Shutout Redemption: Woll Bounces Back Big

After being pulled in a lopsided Game 5 loss, Joseph Woll redeemed himself in a big way. The young goaltender stopped all 22 shots he faced to earn his first career playoff shutout, anchoring a Toronto defense that played with urgency and intensity from start to finish.

Blocking 31 shots, the Maple Leafs gave Woll the support he needed, neutralizing the Panthers’ usually potent offense and killing all four Florida power plays.

🚨 Matthews Breaks Through

The breakthrough came early in the third period. After a scoreless first 40 minutes, Auston Matthews finally found the back of the net for the first time in the series. At 6:20 of the third, he ripped a shot past Sergei Bobrovsky off a setup from Mitch Marner, giving Toronto a 1-0 lead — and the emotional edge.

Later in the period, Max Pacioretty added insurance with a slick backhand finish off a pass from Bobby McMann, sealing the win.

πŸ”‘ Key Moments

  • Penalty Kill Perfection: Toronto’s PK unit was flawless, holding Florida to 0-for-4 on the power play and limiting their chances throughout.

  • Physicality on Display: The game was rough and fast, with Florida outhitting Toronto 34-24 — but the Leafs stayed disciplined and focused.

  • Lineup Tweaks Pay Off: Pontus Holmberg returned to the lineup and added energy with a strong two-way effort, including a big first-period hit on Brad Marchand.

πŸ” Series Overview

The Maple Leafs now have a chance to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2002. Standing in their way is a battle-tested Panthers team that’s made back-to-back runs to the third round.

Game 7 is set for Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET in Toronto, airing on TNT and truTV.

πŸ“Š Game 6 Summary

Final Score: Maple Leafs 2, Panthers 0
Goals:

  • TOR: Auston Matthews (6:20, 3rd)

  • TOR: Max Pacioretty (14:17, 3rd)
    Saves:

  • TOR – Joseph Woll: 22-save shutout

  • FLA – Sergei Bobrovsky: 18 saves on 20 shots

πŸ“ Final Thoughts

This was a vintage elimination game effort from the Leafs — hard-nosed defense, timely scoring, and a star stepping up when it mattered most. With the crowd behind them and momentum on their side, Game 7 in Toronto promises to be must-watch hockey.

Will the Leafs break through to the next round — or will Florida's playoff pedigree show up once again?

We’ll find out Sunday night.

Tags: #MapleLeafs #Panthers #StanleyCupPlayoffs #Game7 #NHLPlayoffs #JosephWoll #AustonMatthews #LeafsNation

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