The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for yet another Game 7 showdown, this time facing off against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. The stakes are high, with a ticket to the Eastern Conference Final and a chance to take on the Carolina Hurricanes on the line. To secure their first Conference Final appearance since 2002, Auston Matthews and his teammates will need to bring their A-game.
Here are three key things the Toronto Maple Leafs must do to ensure a Game 7 victory over the Panthers:
#3 Avoid needless penalties
The Maple Leafs have struggled with discipline in Games 4 and 5, accumulating a high number of penalty minutes and giving the Panthers multiple power play opportunities. By staying out of the penalty box, the Leafs can establish a solid defensive game and create more offensive opportunities. In Game 6, with fewer penalties, the Leafs secured a 2-0 victory, showcasing the importance of discipline in their game.
#2 Don’t give into the Panthers’ antics
The Florida Panthers are likely to deploy Brad Marchand as a pest to disrupt the Leafs’ focus. Toronto must counteract Marchand’s influence by strategically deploying their lines and matching up defensively. By staying focused and not letting the Panthers’ antics distract them, the Leafs can maintain control of the game and dictate the pace on the ice.
#1 Continue sacrificing the body
In Game 6, the Maple Leafs blocked an impressive 31 shots, preventing scoring opportunities for the Panthers and supporting goaltender Joseph Woll. Moving forward, the Leafs must continue to sacrifice their bodies, especially in the face of a strong offensive push from the Panthers. A strong defensive effort early in the game can set the tone and momentum in Toronto’s favor.
By executing these key strategies, the Toronto Maple Leafs will give themselves the best chance to secure a Game 7 victory over the Florida Panthers and advance to the Eastern Conference Final. With their eyes set on a long-awaited Conference Final appearance, the Leafs must bring their best effort and focus to the ice on Sunday night.
