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Panthers Coach's 'Profanity' Response to Maple Leafs Overtime Scare

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 10, 2025 8:25 AM ET

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had one word to summarize his reaction to the Toronto Maple Leafs' breakaway chances in overtime of Game 3.

William Nylander and Matthew Knies each had legitimate opportunities to win the game for Toronto in overtime before Brad Marchand’s deflected shot beat Joseph Woll at 15:27 of the extra period.

Marchand's goal, his 14th postseason winner, gave Florida a 5-4 win and cut the series deficit to 2-1, still in favor of the Leafs.

When asked what went through his mind during those breakaways, Maurice didn't want to engage in a deep conversation.

"It's just profanity."

Paul Maurice on what was going through his head when Knies & Nylander had OT breakaways. pic.twitter.com/B2CXvwC0mp
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 10, 2025

“It's just profanity,” Maurice said.

When asked if he could elaborate, Maurice said, “Oh, you don't want that.”

The Panthers came behind twice, first from an early 2-0 deficit and then rallying from a 3–1 disadvantage by scoring three unanswered goals and taking the lead entering the third period. Morgan Rielly tied the game for the Leafs, sending it to overtime.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 27 saves, including key stops on both Toronto breakaways.

“The second period was the first block of time in this series that we looked to our identity,” Maurice said.

Marchand’s winner capped a comeback that saw Florida rally despite an early surge from the Leafs.

Knies scored 23 seconds into the game, and John Tavares added two more goals sandwiching Barkov's 2-1 tally. Florida responded with three second-period goals and the overtime dagger.

“It obviously felt good for the group,” Marchand said. “We battled back from a couple two-goal deficits, and we just competed the way we know we can.”

Game 4 will be held Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Sunrise before the series returns to Toronto for Game 5.

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

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