The Stanley Cup playoffs heat up tonight at Scotiabank Arena as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the defending champion Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their second-round series.
Toronto, led by new head coach Craig Berube, enters the round after dispatching the Ottawa Senators in six games. The Leafs topped the Atlantic Division this season, finishing 10 points ahead of the Panthers. It’s their second trip to the second round in three seasons.
Florida, meanwhile, comes off a five-game win over Tampa Bay and is aiming for a third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers added veteran agitator Brad Marchand at the deadline to bolster an already gritty forward group featuring Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett.
Toronto counters with its own toughness in Chris Tanev, Bobby McMann, and Max Pacioretty, setting up a clash that promises both skill and snarl.
Schedule:
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Game 1: Tonight in Toronto
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Game 2: Wednesday in Toronto
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Games 3 & 4: Friday and Sunday in Sunrise, Florida
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