Panthers dominate Maple Leafs 3-2 in Game 2 of second-round series 3n6y69

NHL Game 2 Highlights | Panthers vs. Maple Leafs – May 4, 2023 3t752

The Florida Panthers continued their remarkable winning streak by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-3 in Game 2 of their second-round series on Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.

Despite being the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference, the Panthers have already secured five consecutive wins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. These wins include Games 5, 6 and 7 during their first-round upset against the Boston Bruins, with four triumphs secured away from home.

Florida Panthers

2023-05-05 00:19

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Game recap 283y53

Toronto left-winger Alexander Kerfoot found the back of the net within the opening minutes, securing his second goal of the playoffs. Later, center Ryan O’Reilly capitalized on a power play opportunity and scored, creating a significant gap for the Panthers to overcome.

At 11:13 of the first period, Panthers right winger Sam Reinhart found center Anton Lundell in front of the net with a crafty backhanded from behind the net, resulting in Lundell scoring the first goal of the playoffs. Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov was caught off guard by the move.

After a competitive and intense first period, Toronto was still leading 2-1. However, Florida captain Aleksander Barkov, who had a relatively quiet first round, scored 19 seconds into the second period.

Toronto Maple Leafs

2023-05-04 23:43

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The shot was taken from a distance, the right winger Anthony Duclair ed the puck back to him and Barkov expertly placed the puck in the bottom right corner, leaving Samsonov with no chance to make a save—this marked Barkov’s second goal of the postseason.

Quickly following that, the Leafs attempted to break the puck out of their zone, but Finish player Eetu Luostarinen intercepted a and swiftly ed it to Panthers’ alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk. Lundell and defenseman Gustav Forsling quickly ed the offensive rush.

After receiving the puck from Lundell, Tkachuk ed it to Forsling, who then scored against Samsonov — giving the Panthers another goal just 47 seconds later at 1:06 in the second period.

Florida Panthers

2023-05-05 00:20

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Following that, the Panthers focused on maintaining their lead and relied on their defense to keep the opposing team at bay. The 34-year-old Sergei Bobrovsky delivered impressive goaltending by blocking 34 out of 36 shots on goal.

The Maple Leafs are now down by two games after making it out of the first round for the first time in 19 years by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The series’ next game is scheduled at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.