Apr 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) congratulate goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) after a win against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)Well, all those Toronto fans who keep chanting “We want Florida” are going to get their wish.
The Florida Panthers, who eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games on Wednesday night, spent less than 24 hours waiting to find out their second-round opponent.
Thanks to their 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs punched their ticket past round one and will face the Panthers for the second time in three postseasons.
Back in 2023, Florida knocked out the Leafs in five games en route to their first of two straight appearances in the Stanley Cup Final.
Toronto, who won the Atlantic Division this season, will host Florida for the first two games of the series.
Florida will host Game 3, Game 4, and, if necessary, Game 6.
During the regular season, the Panthers went 3-1-0 against Toronto, winning both games in Sunrise while splitting the two up north.
Panthers fans will see some familiar faces wearing blue in this series as there are not one, not two but three current Maple Leafs who won the Stanley Cup with Florida last season.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and forward Steven Lorentz are all enjoying strong seasons with the Leafs and will be doing everything they can to knock out their former teammates.
The series could begin as soon as Saturday or as late as Monday, according to Pierre LeBrun, depending on how things shake out in the Western Conference.
Stay tuned.
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