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Matthew Tkachuk Responds After Panthers Fail to Eliminate Maple Leafs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 17, 2025 7:10 AM ET

The Florida Panthers will have to win Game 7 on the road after failing to close out their second-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Sunrise, FL.

Toronto defeated Florida 2-0 in Game 6 on Friday night at Amerant Bank Arena to even the series 3-3 and is already boasting a "going to war" mindset ahead of Game 7.

Joseph Woll stopped all 22 shots faced to earn his first career playoff shutout, while Auston Matthews and Max Pacioretty scored in the third period to force a decisive game.

Matthew Tkachuk, who was held without a point and finished minus-1 in 20:45 of ice time, acknowledged the Maple Leafs’ execution and effort on Friday.

“Just got to get back to the basics of our game.”

Matthew Tkachuk speaks on what needs to improve on the Panthers powerplay. pic.twitter.com/keTUJ1UHjn
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 17, 2025

"You saw it. They took care of one on our home ice," Tkachuk said. "They played really well. They did what they did earlier in the series—blocking shots.

"Then they get one halfway through the third, and after that, they played really well once they got the lead. So back to the drawing board, I guess."

Despite the missed opportunity to end the series, Tkachuk stressed the team’s mindset has already shifted forward.

"At the end of the day, we were down 2-0 in this series," Tkachuk said. "We would have loved the Game 7 and this opportunity.

"We’re not going to sit here and pout about it. It’s an opportunity to make a name for ourselves again."

Game 7 of the second-round series between the Panthers and Maple Leafs will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

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