The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice at Scotiabank Arena for an optional morning skate Monday morning ahead of Game 1 of their second-round series against the Florida Panthers – an enticing rematch amongst former teammates.

It was two years ago that the Panthers ended Toronto’s 2023 playoff hopes in five games, with the Leafs falling flat in round two. But this time around, the Leafs believe they're better equipped. With a different mindset, deeper experience, and a roster with a few skaters who know the Panthers better than most, there’s room for more optimism this time.

Among the additions is veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, one of three now-Leafs who contributed to Florida’s Stanley Cup victory last season. Now donning blue and white, the 33-year-old is trying to flip the script against his former club, and he might just have some inside knowledge to help Toronto do it.

The 15-year blueliner has already made an impact for Toronto this postseason, scoring twice in the opening round against the Ottawa Senators. In this particular upcoming series, compared to others, his value goes beyond the scoresheet. Alongside fellow ex-Panthers Anthony Stolarz and Steven Lorentz, Ekman-Larsson brings a familiarity with Florida’s tendencies and habits, which could prove useful in a series expected to be tight.

“That’s one thing that I’ve been trying to kind of help the guys out here,” he said. “It’s obviously a different year, new team, but when you have that experience, you’re trying to pass that along to your teammates, and yeah, I’m trying to help in any way I can. I think I’ve been saying that all year, so yeah, I’ve been trying to help everybody out here.”

Maple Leafs' Stolarz Shelves Panthers Ties And Bond Over Cats In Playoff Series Anthony Stolarz hasn’t spoken with any of his ex-Florida Panthers teammates in a while, but he’s excited to get this second-round series going on Monday night.

Defenseman Morgan Rielly weighed in on Saturday, saying the presence of three former Panthers in the Leafs’ locker room could provide a meaningful edge in the series.

“I think that could help us for sure,” Rielly said. “Obviously, there are differences in both teams in every team year after year, but we'll take any advantage we can get to those guys playing over there."

Morgan Rielly, Maple Leafs Seek Redemption In 2023 Rematch Vs Panthers Two years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs walked into a second-round series against the Florida Panthers riding high from their first playoff series win since 2004. It was a long-awaited breakthrough for the franchise and the ‘Core Four,’ finally getting over the hump after years of early playoff exits. But the success was short-lived.

As for his expectations, Ekman-Larsson said he’s anticipating, “Just a hard, heavy series. I think that’s what it’s all about in the playoffs. If you want to go deep, that’s what you have to do every single night, and that’s what we’re expecting from our group. That’s what we’re focusing on.”

This year, with more composure and a business-like approach, Toronto is foreseeing a lengthy series that will be hyper-fixated on the little details and consistency beginning Monday night in Game 1.

So, what type of insight can Ekman-Larsson and the former Cats provide?

“Just trying to touch on the details. Trying to touch on the big picture, what’s making you successful,” said Ekman-Larsson. “But like I said, I don’t want to stand here and give everything away, but it’s going to come down to hard work and doing the little things. That’s what we’re focusing on.”

Maple Leafs' Calm Vs Senators Could Shape Panthers Battle The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice for practice a day before the puck drops for Game 1 of their second-round series against the Florida Panthers on Sunday. As for the matchup, the Leafs can redeem themselves from 2023, in which they lost to the Panthers in just five games. 

The Swede registered two goals and four assists for six points in 24 playoff games during Florida’s run to the Stanley Cup last season under head coach Paul Maurice. While Ekman-Larsson called Maurice a “great coach” and said he “had a blast” playing for him, his focus is now squarely on the task at hand.

Now on the opposing bench, he knows the Leafs have their hands full, including a heavy dose of Matthew Tkachuk, a player he knows all too well.

“I think everybody knows what type of player he is and what he’s trying to do there,” Ekman-Larsson said of Tkachuk. “He’s an unbelievable player. I think we’re ready for that.”

When asked if he knows how to get under Tkachuk’s skin, Ekman-Larsson replied: “We’ll see.”

With the help of a trio of former Panthers, could there be a different ending in round two? 

Time will tell.

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