The Florida Panthers took care of business in the opening round of the NHL postseason. The Cats disposed of their in-state rival, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in five for the second consecutive year.
As the Battle of Florida was waged, another rivalry was being contested in Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated their provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators, in the Battle of Ontario. The Leafs closed out the series in six games, ending the Sens’ season on Thursday night in Ottawa.
While Florida prioritized player health and rest late in the regular season, the Maple Leafs won their third division title in 67 years. As a result, the Leafs will have home ice advantage in the upcoming series, but which team has the on-ice advantage when the puck drops?
Which team has the advantage?
Many analysts are high on the Maple Leafs this season, and for good reason. Under first-year coach Craig Berube, the Leafs captured a rare Atlantic Division win. Many of those same analysts seemed to doubt Florida before the postseason began, and the majority picked the Tampa Bay Lightning to eliminate them in round one.
Instead, Florida made quick work of the Lightning and dominated the series. After such an impressive and convincing win, some of those experts may be having second thoughts about the Panthers’ potential. On paper, this series will be the marquee matchup of the second round, with both teams boasting stacked rosters of elite NHL talent.