After a rough, uninspired stretch of games, the Florida Panthers got back on track in a big way on Tuesday night. The Panthers got a big win against a division opponent, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 at Amerent Bank Arena.
It was a very Panthers-style win. They played physical and were impressive defensively. Toronto was held to just 18 shots on goal (Florida had twice that with 36). More surprisingly, the Leafs’ star trio of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander combined for one shot on goal and zero points.
The win might not mean much for the postseason, as both teams have already clinched their respective playoff births. However, it potentially boosts Florida's confidence as the regular season winds down.
On the other hand, Toronto can’t feel great about the loss when you consider the major stars that were absent for the Panthers. Florida pulled out the win without Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Dimitry Kulikov, Nico Sturm, and Matthew Tkachuk.
That sort of result could get into an opponent's head. The Maple Leafs are well known for not only having the most extensive NHL fan base but also one that tends to overreact. Leafs fans like to dissect and overanalyze every game. I can only imagine the vibe amongst Toronto fans is a mixture of panic and confusion today.
The win, combined with the Ottawa Senators' loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, gives the Panthers a four-point advantage over the Senators. With four games remaining, it is less likely Ottawa will overtake Florida for the third divisional playoff slot.
The march continues. pic.twitter.com/BurAxcgTPG
— x - Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 9, 2025
The sky isn’t falling in Sunrise
Speaking of fan bases and how they differ, the vibe amongst Florida fans has been rather calm despite the team’s recent losing streak. There has not been widespread panic. In fact, the common feeling is that the team is and should prioritize getting players healthy over winning games.
That is precisely the approach Paul Maurice and company are taking. Any health concerns, no matter how minor, are being met with the utmost caution. Other players are simply being held out for much-needed rest.
With key players Tkachuk and Ekblad out, the Panthers can ill-afford to lose another major contributor with the playoffs rapidly approaching. The Panthers have played a lot of hockey over the last three seasons, and making the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years has taken its toll.
“You want every advantage you can get, home ice and all that, but we’ve got to heal these guys,” Maurice said Saturday. “We have to give ourselves a chance to play physically in the playoffs and our schedule won’t allow that right now.”
The Panthers are back on home ice Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings.