Panthers Clinch Spot in Eastern Conference Final with 6-3 Win Over Leafs

The Florida Panthers advanced to the Eastern Conference final with a 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7. Read more about the match.

The Florida Panthers advanced to the Eastern Conference final with a 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7. This marks the second time in the series the Panthers scored six goals on the road, repeating their performance from Game 5.

Toronto forced a deciding Game 7 after a 2-0 shutout win in Florida, but their struggles in game sevens continued. The Leafs had lost three straight game sevens prior to their win in Florida, and their inability to close out series persisted in this matchup.

The first period was relatively quiet, with the Panthers outshooting the Leafs 21-13. Toronto took a penalty for too many men on ice, but successfully killed it just before intermission. However, this brief moment of momentum didn't last, as the game's dynamics shifted dramatically afterward.

Florida broke the deadlock just over three minutes into the second period. Evan Rodrigues' pass to Seth Jones led to a precise shot into the top corner, beating Joseph Woll. Four minutes later, Florida doubled their lead when Eetu Luostarinen's shot was rebounded to Anton Lundell, who scored from close range, silencing the Scotiabank Arena crowd.

Toronto's woes continued two minutes later when Florida won another rebound opportunity. This time, Jonah Gadjovich scored on the rebound, making it 3-0 for the Panthers. By the end of the second period, Florida had a 28-7 shot advantage, leaving the Leafs with little chance of a comeback.

Let's keep these good vibes going!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/hsT9Tm7ZOs

— x - Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 19, 2025

The Leafs managed to score early in the third period, with Max Domi scoring on a clever pass from Bobby McMann, getting the puck past Sergei Bobrovsky with a shot through his legs. With nearly 18 minutes left, Toronto still held onto a glimmer of hope.

Toronto's brief glimmer of hope was extinguished 47 seconds later when Florida scored again. Brad Marchand's shot was deflected by Eetu Luostarinen, putting the Leafs down three goals once more.

The Panthers sealed the win with two more goals in the final period. Sam Reinhart scored shortly after a face-off, and Brad Marchand added an empty-net goal with three minutes remaining, capping off Florida's dominant road win.

Toronto's season ended in a nightmare at home, marking their sixth straight Game 7 loss. This painful streak continues to plague the team.

The Leafs have now failed to advance past the second round for the 12th consecutive playoff run, a sobering reality for fans and players alike.

Florida advances to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight year, set to face the Carolina Hurricanes who eliminated the Washington Capitals 4-1. The Panthers' first game in the conference finals is scheduled for Tuesday.