The Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Florida Panthers in a crucial elimination game on Friday night. Ella Nylander, the sister of Leafs forward William Nylander, took to Instagram to share her gameday experience from their previous game at Toronto, complete with a heartfelt message for Leafs nation.
In a series of pictures, Ella Nylander was seen riding the TTC subway in a customized Maple Leafs varsity jacket with “Nylander” emblazoned across the back. Another photo captured the Maple Leafs flag being unfurled on the ice at Scotiabank Arena during the pre-game ceremony. With a rallying cry of “G🍩 LEAFS G🍩!!!” in the caption, Ella Nylander also shared snaps of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and the electric atmosphere inside the arena, with fans decked out in blue and white waving their handkerchiefs.
The Leafs managed to blank the Panthers 2-0 in Game 6, forcing the series to a decisive Game 7. Ella Nylander, who was glued to the game, expressed her excitement after the Leafs scored their second goal, cheering them on with a snapshot of the scoreboard.
Auston Matthews broke the deadlock early in the third period with a goal assisted by Mitch Marner, while Max Pacioretty added an insurance marker late in the third. The Leafs now have the opportunity to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals with a win in Game 7 on home ice in Toronto.
In a post-game interview, Leafs alternate captain Mitch Marner commended the team for bouncing back from their Game 5 defeat and securing the victory in Game 6. Marner brushed off external criticism and pressure, emphasizing the team’s unwavering trust in each other and their commitment to their game plan.
Looking ahead to Game 7, Marner expressed the team’s eagerness to compete in such a high-stakes scenario but emphasized that their job is far from over. The Leafs are determined to stay focused and continue playing their brand of hockey as they aim to advance in the playoffs.
As the Leafs gear up for the critical Game 7, the team remains undeterred by external noise and remains confident in their abilities to come out on top. With their sights set on a postseason push, the Leafs are ready to leave it all on the ice in pursuit of playoff success.
