Once again, Toronto faces the same old playoff demon, faltering when it matters most.
Berube's version of the Maple Leafs was supposed to be playoff-tested, tougher, and more resilient. Yet against a Florida Panthers team built on relentless forechecking and opportunistic offense, the Leafs surrendered to pressure.
Two of the Panthers' six goals came within five seconds of turnovers, the most glaring of which was a blind, backhanded giveaway by Mitch Marner that led to Jesper Boqvist’s first career playoff goal.
“The way we play creates a lot of chaos,” said Panthers forward A J Greer, part of Florida’s deep scoring threat. “That game plan (gives us) an opportunity for every line to be successful offensively.”
The Panthers now have a league-high 17 different players scoring in these NHL playoffs.
Interestingly, Toronto’s turnover rate was actually lower in its three losses (15.4 per cent) than its two wins (16.9 per cent), but Florida made the Leafs pay more frequently. In the last three games, the Panthers have converted four goals within ten seconds of a Toronto turnover.
By contrast, the Leafs only managed two such responses. In Games 1 and 2, they had a 5–3 edge in turnover goals.
Also read: NHL suspends Panthers minority owner Douglas Cifu over “unacceptable” social media posts
The Panthers' consistent attack has not just disrupted Toronto’s defense, it exposed the fading edge of their biggest stars. Auston Matthews, with just three goals in his last 21 playoff appearances, acknowledged the team’s failings.
“I thought they competed harder,” Matthews admitted. The Leafs' starts in Games 4 and 5 set a sluggish tone, with Florida out-chancing them 25–8 in first-period play.
And despite winning more puck battles overall (197–162 across the series), the Leafs have lost control of the most important zone, the slot. The Panthers generated 105 slot-driving plays compared to Toronto’s 72.
Eleven of Florida’s 13 goals in the past three games have come from the slot, including seven from the inner slot.
Goaltender Joseph Woll did his best, but allowed 2.5 goals above expected in Game 5 before getting pulled. With Anthony Stolarz doubtful to travel, Woll is Toronto’s only option for Game 6.
He’s been excellent when facing elimination before, 3–1 with a 1.40 goals-against average and .950 save percentage.
But for the Leafs’ “Core Four,” the clock is ticking. Matthews, Marner, and John Tavares have only four total goals in their last 27 combined playoff games when facing elimination. William Nylander remains the exception with seven goals in 10 such games.
Also read: Marner’s magic and Woll’s wall: Toronto Maple Leafs seize 2-0 lead over Panthers in NHL Playoffs
“You have to skate, and you’ve got to compete,” Berube said before the team left for Florida. “Take the thinking out. Go play. Be aggressive.”
That advice might be the last hope for a Maple Leafs squad searching for structure in the middle of chaos. A season that began with championship aspirations could end in heartbreak once again if Toronto’s stars can’t show up in Game 6.
