Mar 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Max Domi (11) scores a goal and celebrates with center Bobby McMann (74) against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The race for first place in the Atlantic Division was extended by the Florida Panthers on Thursday night as the club defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, 3-2. Despite the loss, Max Domi’s performance was a bright spot for the Leafs, offering plenty of spark even in the loss.
From the opening faceoff, it felt like a playoff-type game – fast and momentous – and Domi rose to the occasion.
Already leading 1-0, the Leafs forward set the tone early with a massive open-ice hit on Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe at 16:35 of the first period.
30 seconds later, Nate Schmidt dropped the gloves with Domi at center ice in response to the hit.
The ensuing fight saw Domi land multiple solid punches in a lopsided exchange, sending Schmidt to the ice before hyping up the crowd with a fiery “Let’s go!”
“Nothing was really said, but I figured it's a big hit on one of their big players, so I wasn't sure it would end up coming, but I just kind of reacted,” said Domi post-game. “I think it was a big hit. It's part of the game. I think I might have caught him a little bit on the way down. Obviously, I don't like doing that, but it definitely wasn't my intention. I got a lot of respect for him, so yeah, Schmitty hung in there, and it's a part of the game.”
“Yeah, I mean, fires everybody up. I think everybody was fired up, and that got everybody even more fired up,” added teammate William Nylander.
His contributions didn’t end there.
With the Leafs trailing 3-1, Calle Jarnkrok fed Domi on a quick rush and a poor line change from the Panthers' defensive group. Domi made no mistake, firing the puck past Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to bring Toronto within one with his second fist pump of the night to the crowd.
“Great play by Jarny, and a place where you get the speed, it's, I mean, Bob's a hell of a goalie, so sometimes you just gotta throw it on net and get lucky with it, but when you have that much speed coming down, you don't have to lean on the stick too much, so it's nice for that one to go in for sure,” said Domi.
The goal gave the Leafs a much-needed spark as they fought to stay in the game, and his efforts didn't go unnoticed by his teammates and head coach.
“(He) had a heck of a game, in my opinion. Big hit, fight, scored a goal. I mean, he was skating and working. So, I thought he was good,” said bench boss Craig Berube.
“He came out with a hit, big hit, nice fight, huge goal. Yeah, he had a great game,” added Nylander.
Due to his strong play, Domi was promoted to the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander late in the third period. Berube, known for his willingness to lean on the hot hand, recognized Domi's impact on the game, giving him a prominent role down the stretch.
“Obviously, the commitment he made right off the get-go, the physical side of it and getting the tilt there, getting us going and just showing the energy and the commitment he brought,” said Tavares. “So the physical side of things and then obviously he's a great playmaker. So he was skating well, created some opportunities, and got a great look and a great shot.”
Domi’s goal was his fifth of the season, and with the fight, as his teammate Simon Benoit was in Utah on Monday, the former first-round pick was an assist shy of a Gordie Howe hat-trick.
As goaltender Anthony Stolarz noted post-game, here’s hoping this is the start of a hot streak and can provide Domi with confidence moving forward.
When asked what he liked the most about the forward’s play on Thursday, Stolarz noted, “I think his 200-foot play. He's making plays in the D-zone. He's got one hell of a shot.”
“So, when he can get it off and open space like that, he's going to beat a lot of goalies. Hopefully, this is the start of a little hot streak for him. He gets a little confidence going forward here.”
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