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Matthew Tkachuk Triggers Leafs Fans with Bold Comments Ahead of Game 7

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 18, 2025 12:45 PM ET

Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers have been to two straight Finals, and now ahead of Game 7 against Toronto, he's delivered a clear message to his opponents.

The Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs have been battling all series long, and on Sunday things come to a head in Game 7 between these very bitter Atlantic Division rivals.

Through six games, this series has been up-and-down thus far, with both teams landing massive blows on the other, and while many believed the series was over after five games following the Panthers 6-1 win, Toronto fought back to make it 3-3 in the series with the massive win in Florida.

Now, Game 7 sees both teams put it all on the line, and ahead of the game, Matthew Tkachuk has stated his belief that the Panthers are built for seven games and should be ready to take down Toronto in this one.

'Our game is built on wearing teams down over the course of a seven-game series, over the course of a game. It might not show in the first five minutes, but hopefully it shows in an overtime or late in the third.'

Unsurprisingly, his comments set off many Maple Leafs fans in the comments, all of whom are clearly still angered by their more successful rivals and the way they've played through this series, and they let those frustrations be known on social media.

Ultimately, these are two of the most talented teams in the entire NHL, and through six games thus far it's been an absolute war, and whether or not it goes deep into this game tied or whether it's a blowout, it's safe to say that fans thus far have got their moneys worth.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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