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Panthers' Paul Maurice Sends Strong Message Ahead of Game 3

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 8, 2025 6:29 PM ET

The Florida Panthers are heading back home after dropping the first two games of their postseason series with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Florida has been outplayed by the Maple Leafs so far, but the team is hoping that going home will help cure them.

The Panthers have been a very strong team at home this season, and they know that this series is far from over. Florida head coach Paul Maurice sent a message to his team and the fans ahead of the crucial Game 3 matchup.

“Well, we’ve been a good home team this year for sure,” Florida coach Paul Maurice said Thursday . “And you get the positive feedback of good things that you do. We had a 2-on-1 with Matthew Tkachuk early in (Game 2) and he almost finds a hole, so you get a completely different review. You start feeling better about yourself and better about your game just on that, so it will be good to get home.”

Florida played a little better in Game 2, but they just couldn't overcome the Maple Leafs. Toronto seems to be on a mission this year, but the Panthers likely still have some tricks up their sleeves.

This team is the defending champions for a reason, and pushing them to the brink of elimination won't be easy. Florida is likely to come out with a sense of desperation to show Toronto what they are made of.

If they don't, this series will essentially be over. It's rare for a team to be able to come back from a 3-0 series hole, but it has been done before in NHL history.

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

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