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NHL Reveals Update to Maple-Leafs-Panthers Playoff Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 16, 2025 2:34 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are getting ready for Game 6 of their second-round postseason series, with the Panthers looking to close things out. As Florida heads home, they hold a 3-2 series advantage and will look to advance to the Eastern Conference Final.

The Panthers took Game 5 on the road, limiting the explosive Toronto offense. With the series now shifting back to Florida, things could get even tighter for both sides.

But if the Maple Leafs can recover, it would set up a classic Game 7 back on home ice.

In the case that a Game 7 does occur, the NHL has announced the start time for the contest. Game 7 will tenitively take place on Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Toronto.

The @NHL announced start times and broadcast information for Game 6 between the @NHLJets and @DallasStars as well as a potential #Game7 between the @MapleLeafs and @FlaPanthers. #StanleyCup

Details: https://t.co/rzIhqbDxAa pic.twitter.com/xT3ZJH8ZVQ
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) May 16, 2025

At one point in the series, the Maple Leafs did hold a 2-0 advantage. But Florida has responded well and shown why they are the defending Stanley Cup champions.

The Maple Leafs know what is at stake entering Game 6, and they will look to send things back home.

“You go home. You realize that wasn’t close to being good enough. You flush it down the toilet,” Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner said.

“Everyone has their own way of coping with things and forgetting about things. Whatever yours is, just go home and do it. Relax.”

If Toronto can't grab the road win, it will be another in a long line of playoff failures in recent memory. But this team remains confident and will have to rely on each other to net the big victory.

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

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