Aleksander Barkov (© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bd880176-ada9-46ca-8190-920cbc4f343a.jpeg] Aleksander Barkov (© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images) The Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers]will be back on the ice for Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 9. This is a must-win game for the Panthers, as a loss would make them fall down 3-0 in the series, which would be incredibly difficult to climb out of. While speaking to reporters, including The Athletic's Chris Johnston [https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1920856754570596831?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet], Panthers [https://news.google.com/search?q=the%20hockey%20news%20panthers&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen] captain Aleksander Barkov shared his mindset heading into Game 3 and made it clear that he and the club are still feeling good despite their tough start to the series. "It's not the most ideal thing to be down 2-0, but I think the mood is good," Barkov said. "We're happy to be back home. We're happy to play in front of our fans. I'm really excited for tonight's challenge." While the Panthers have undoubtedly had a shaky start to their series against the Maple Leafs, it is apparent that Barkov is still optimistic heading into Game 3. Being back home should also give the Panthers a boost, and it will be interesting to see if they take advantage of it. Barkov has been one of the Panthers' top performers this post-season, recording two goals and six points in seven games thus far. This includes scoring a goal in Game 2 against the Maple Leafs. Now, he will look to have a big performance in Game 3 from here. A win against the Leafs would be huge for the Panthers, as they would make the series 2-1 and would have the chance to tie it back up in Game 4 at home. We will now need to wait and see if Barkov and the Cats can pick up a victory from here. Recent Panthers News Brad Marchand Said This About Maple Leafs After Game 2 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/dae5f5e6-176b-4eb2-9255-4d87eb13f35d.jpeg] Brad Marchand Said This About Maple Leafs After Game 2 The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs by a 4-3 final score in Game 2 of the second round. With this, the <a href="https://news.google.com/search?q=the%20hockey%20news%20panthers&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen">Panthers</a> are now down 2-0 in the series and are now facing a must-win Game 3 at home because of it. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/brad-marchand-said-this-about-maple-leafs-after-game-2] HIFK creates remake of classic Florida Panthers player intro after hiring Olli Jokinen as head coach [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f128de59-0813-4222-9717-921570bd889c.jpeg] HIFK creates remake of classic Florida Panthers player intro after hiring Olli Jokinen as head coach Get ready for a blast from the past, Florida Panthers fans. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/hifk-creates-remake-of-classic-florida-panthers-player-intro-after-hiring-olli-jokinen-as-head-coach] Panthers back on home ice for crucial Game 3 against Toronto [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f2605b44-1347-4dbd-a867-f8561a3a5f22.jpeg] Panthers back on home ice for crucial Game 3 against Toronto The Florida Panthers find themselves in somewhat new territory. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-back-on-home-ice-for-crucial-game-3-against-toronto] Former Panthers Coach Joel Quenneville hired by Anaheim Ducks following temporary ban from NHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b0b4156b-8237-4f47-acd4-acad1e657b84.jpeg] Former Panthers Coach Joel Quenneville hired by Anaheim Ducks following temporary ban from NHL A former Florida Panthers head coach is back in the NHL. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/former-panthers-coach-joel-quenneville-hired-by-anaheim-ducks-following-temporary-ban-from-nhl]
