Leafs Stun Panthers 2-0, Force Deciding Game 7

Auston Matthews and Max Pacioretty scored for the Toronto Maple Leafs  Leafs, who evened the series with a 2-0 win over the Panthers. Read more about the thrilling matchup.

The Toronto Maple Leafs stunned the Florida Panthers with a 2-0 shutout win in Game 6, forcing a deciding Game 7 on Sunday night. Auston Matthews broke the scoreless tie 6:20 into the third period with a wrist shot that sealed the victory. Matthews' goal was his first of the series and a crucial moment for the Toronto captain.

After the Panthers dominated Game 5 with a 6-1 win, the Leafs faced immense pressure to win on the road. However, they responded with a gutsy team effort, shutting down the Panthers' offense. Joseph Woll made 21 saves for the shutout, the first by a Maple Leafs goaltender in an elimination game since Curtis Joseph in 2002.

The winner of Game 7 will advance to the Eastern Conference Final, potentially facing the Carolina Hurricanes. The Maple Leafs are seeking their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Final since 2002.

The Florida Panthers dominated possession and shots throughout the match but failed to capitalize on their chances. In the first period, both teams played cautiously, with the Toronto Maple Leafs coming out aggressively but unable to find the back of the net. Florida had eight shots in the opening frame but couldn't convert.

LEAFS WWWWWWWININ!!! pic.twitter.com/TfTa6n86SS

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 17, 2025

The Panthers gained momentum in the second period, taking 24 shots, but Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll and Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made crucial saves to keep the score 0-0. Bobrovsky had been on a tear, saving 54 of 55 shots over the previous two games.

The Toronto Maple Leafs broke the deadlock 6:20 into the third period when Auston Matthews scored on a breakaway, capitalizing on a Florida turnover. Matthews' wrist shot beat Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, giving the Leafs a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers pushed hard to tie the game in the remaining 13:40, but the Leafs' defense held strong. The visitors sealed the win with a second goal, as Max Pacioretty scored on a pass from Bobby McMann, set up by Max Domi, doubling the Leafs' lead to 2-0.

Toronto held on for what could be a crucial victory. Game 7 will occur in Canada's largest city on Sunday night. The winner-take-all match will take place on Sunday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, with the victor advancing to the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.