New Look Third Line Delivers for Paul Maurice and the Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are back in the Eastern Conference Final for the third straight year. Florida knocked off the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of Round 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs by a score of 6-1 on the backs of their third line of Brad Marchand, Anton Lundell, and Eetu Loustarinen.

The Florida Panthers third line combined for seven points (three goals and four assists) in the seven-game series. Once again, it is Marchand, the biggest Maple Leafs killer, changing the series in Game 3 and putting an exclamation point on it in Game 7.

Under head coach Paul Maurice, the Panthers like to roll four lines. We saw that last season en route to the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup Championship. Last season, Vladimir Tarasenko was acquired at the deadline, guiding Lundell and Loustarinen in the playoffs. That trio was vital in the team’s run to the Stanley Cup.

However, this season, the Florida Panthers are a deeper team, with all four lines playing that hard-nosed style of hockey that wins in the playoffs. While all four lines can be viewed as checking lines, the Panthers’ top three lines can do the same thing. They all have offensive output, but their first responsibility is playing defense.

Adding Marchand to the fold with the perfect piece for these two talented players. He compliments them so well. Each player on that line knows what the other player is doing, and each has a role they play to perfection.

This so-called third line for the Florida Panthers has been doing it all playoffs. Three of the top four point leaders on the Panthers are on their third line. Brad Marchand and Eetu Luostarinen each have 12 points (three goals and nine assists). Their linemate, Anton Lundell, has 10 points (four goals and six assists).

In addition, Loustarinen leads the NHL in road playoff points with 11, according to NHL Stats. He has also recorded six points (two goals and four assists) in two series-clinching games during this Stanley Cup Playoff run for the Panthers.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto Maple Leafs Continue To Fold Under the Pressure

Winnipeg Jets: Winnipeg Jets Have Issues Winning on the Road in the Playoffs

Carolina Hurricanes: Andrei Svechnikov Delivering for the Carolina Hurricanes

Dallas Stars: Mikko Rantanen Coming Up Clutch in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

You have to credit Panthes general manager Bill Zito for bringing in the right players to help his team win and for pursuing the right character guys who will buy into the system Paul Maurice wants to play. And let’s not forget about Paul Maurice and how he has handled these personalities on the ice and in the locker room.

Brad Marchand was the captain of the Boston Bruins earlier in the season. He comes in and knows his role as a leader despite not wearing a letter on his sweater. Marchand knew what was expected of him, and he followed his role.

Marchand fits seamlessly with the Panthers and his linemates. Everyone is buying into what it takes to win. Florida has a bigger goal. It is not just about winning one or two rounds. The Panthers want to return to the Final and win the Stanley Cup for the second year.

It does not matter what the situation is in a game; Maurice has faith in this third line to get the job done. When a big goal is needed, this line is out there. Lundell and Loustarinen have taken strides over the last couple of seasons, earning new deals. Marchand is just here to help in any way possible.

Except Marchand is not a passenger hoping to be a part of something special; he is making an impact by leading by example. He understands what it takes to win, and that is why he fits in with this group of Florida Panthers.

If the Florida Panthers are going to get by the Carolina Hurricanes, you can expect their third line to make an impact once again.