It had all the makings of a playoff game. There were former teammates clashing for the first time since the deadline. There was a physical aspect to the game that seemed to ramp up as it went on. And, of course, there’s a history between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the Maple Leafs could’ve clinched a playoff berth with a Montreal Canadiens loss or a Columbus Blue Jackets loss on Tuesday, it seemed fitting that both of those teams earned victories, leaving it in the Maple Leafs’ hands to get the job done on Wednesday at home against their rival Panthers. Just like that, a 3-2 victory clinched the Maple Leafs’ their ninth consecutive playoff berth for the first time since achieving nine consecutive entries to the playoffs from 1958-59 to 1966-67. Yes, that was also the last time they team won hoisted the Stanley Cup.
The run is also the longest active streak in the NHL for consecutive years making the playoffs – a feat that almost seems forgotten about amongst all the disappointment within the fanbase around the team’s first-round struggles over the last eight seasons.
That said, the Maple Leafs got the job done on the heels of a strong effort and the first win for Anthony Stolarz against the Panthers since signing with the Maple Leafs in the offseason. The former Panthers netminder saw 31 shots from his former club, giving up just two goals while making some top-tier saves along the way.
As for the other Maple Leafs, John Tavares tallied his 36th goal of the season, while Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner contributed the other two – something their fanbase surely hope will be a sign of things to come along the team’s playoff push.
The team did lose David Kämpf to an injury and he didn’t return, but the team was able to get the job done even while shorthanded on the bench.
“It’s in the mindset,” said Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews prior to Wednesday night’s game. “Standings are really tight and you want to go up and get that.”
The game surely had a playoff feel to it as it came down to the final moments where the Maple Leafs were able to stave off the Panthers’ push. When it’s all said and done, the Maple Leafs walked away with a three-point lead in the division over the Tampa Bay Lightning and a playoff berth for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
