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Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Speaks Out After Finally Scoring vs Panthers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 17, 2025 12:58 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs were able to avoid elimination in Game 6 of their second-round playoff series with the Florida Panthers. Toronto held Florida scoreless and did just enough to keep the series alive.

The scene will now shift back to Toronto for a win-or-go-home Game 7 matchup, offering the Maple Leafs another chance at redemption. There weren't many people who expected Toronto to win Game 6, and now they will have a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Final.

One main reason why the Maple Leafs were able to break through in Game 6 was that star Auston Matthews was finally able to score a goal. It had been a long time for Matthews, but his first goal of the series opened the scoring in the game.

“I mean, that felt great,” Matthews said.

AUSTON MATTHEWS PUTS THE LEAFS IN THE LEAD!! pic.twitter.com/PV38xKI4zd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 17, 2025

If Matthews can get going, it could spell some trouble for the Panthers. Toronto was one of the better teams in the NHL this past season, and the offensive attack was a big reason for it.

But against the Panthers, the offense had gone sour over the past few games. Toronto was able to grab the big win and now has a chance to advance in front of their home fans.

“Just a gutsy, gutsy win,” Matthews said.

The Maple Leafs know that eliminating the Panthers won't be easy, especially since they are the defending champions. But Toronto seemed to get some extra confidence in Game 6, and will now look to transfer that over to Game 7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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