Auston Matthews scores first career goal in a second-round series as Leafs force Game 7 against Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs forced a series-deciding Game 7 after two clutch goals by two of their veterans against the Florida Panthers.

Captain Auston Matthews scored his first career goal in a second-round series while former Capital Max Pacioretty tallied his third goal of the postseason, giving the Leafs a 2-0 win in Game 6.

DON’T STOP BE-LEAF-IN’, read the headline on NHL.com.

After a scoreless first two periods, Matthews scored 6:20 into the third period, beating Sergei Bobrovsky five-hole during a rush down the left wing. The tally marked Matthews’ third goal of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and his first goal in 11 second-round series games during his career.

Pacioretty followed Matthews’ tally up with an insurance marker at 14:17, beating Bobrovsky through his arm on his backhand.

Game 7 will be at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday at 7:30 pm. Whoever wins will play the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.