John Tavares and Aleksander Barkov (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice has noticed something interesting of late ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When he pre-scouts his opponents, he sees a far different team than the one that ends up stepping on the ice against his team.
"When we look at the games teams play two or three prior to us, they don't look like the game they play against us," Maurice said after the morning skate prior to his team visiting the Maple Leafs. "There's high-end energy. We're always prepared for their best, which we need to do to stay sharp."
Such is life when you've won the Stanley Cup and done so largely with smash mouth hockey.
It would seem that the three games the Maple Leafs and Panthers play down the stretch going into the playoffs will be no different – high-octane, high-energy. It should provide an interesting glimpse into what should be an outstanding playoffs.
Today's video column has more.
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