Steven Lorentz is expecting a war against his former team in Round 2

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz is ready to lay it on the line against the Florida Panthers in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Lorentz appeared in 38 regular season games for the Panthers last season, 16 more in the playoffs, and while he knows he has a ton of friends on the other side, those relationships are shoved to the side in round two.

“Incredible what we did last year, but it’s the past. There won’t be any friendships going forward,” Lorentz told Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornby on May 3. “It’s going to be a war. When you’re chasing the Cup, when this thing is on the line, everything goes out the window.”

Lorentz played a significant depth role for the Panthers along their Cup run last season, but wasn’t re-signed by the hockey club. It gave the Kitchener, ON native a chance to play for his childhood team, and showcase his passion from day one as a Maple Leaf.

“Very special,” Lorentz said in October, after he turned his professional tryout agreement into a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs. “Everyone has been very welcoming. To be able to go forward with a group like this is super special, and I’m excited to get things going.”

Lorentz has brought his experience to the Maple Leafs’ bottom six, he’s carved out a role for himself, and he’s made a significant impact this season in Toronto. Lorentz, along with Scott Laughton and Calle Jarnkrok have given Craig Berube a checking line he can depend on to create momentum, shut down opponents, and hopefully as the Stanley Cup Playoffs go on, chip in with a timely goal to put a game out of reach. Lorentz had a knack to score game-winning goals this season, so it will be quite the storyline if he’s able to continue this success against his former team.

Lorentz credits Panthers head coach Paul Maurice for being a straight shooter. The 29-year-old had a hard time becoming a regular for the Panthers last season, but didn’t let it stop him from eventually becoming a staple in their lineup come playoff time. Lorentz appreciated Maurice’s honesty.

“I learned to be a fulltime NHLer. It took time. I was scratched early last year. But he didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear, he told me what I needed to hear. ‘You won’t be the guy scoring a hat trick after being (scratched), just be consistent, finish hits,” Lorentz told Hornby.

Lorentz took Maurice’s advice to heart, and brought this mentality to the Maple Leafs this season. It’s worked well for him, he’s become a huge part of his childhood team, and there isn’t anyone on the Leafs with more passion.

Don’t expect Lorentz to be active in any group chats with his former teammates, it’s time for war.