Toronto Maple Leafs’ Line Combinations vs. Panthers: Rd 2, Gm 1

The Toronto Maple Leafs have beaten the Ottawa Senators in the first modern Battle of Ontario playoff series. The Maple Leafs were able to hang onto a 3–2 lead, adding an empty-netter for insurance in Game six last Thursday.

Their reward? They get to face the reigning Stanley Cup Champions Florida Panthers in Round 2.

Ahead of Game one tonight, here are the Maple Leafs’ expected line combinations:

Forward lines

• Line 1: Matthew Knies–Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner
• Line 2: Max Pacioretty–John Tavares–William Nylander
• Line 3: Max Domi–Pontus Holmberg–Bobby McMann
• Line 4: Steven Lorentz–Scott Laughton–Calle Jarnkrok

Defence pairs

• D1: Morgan Rielly–Brandon Carlo
• D2: Jake McCabe–Chris Tanev
• D3: Simon Benoit–Oliver Ekman-Larson

Goaltenders

• Starter: Anthony Stolarz
• Backup: Joseph Woll

Max Pacioretty, despite the criticism for being promoted in favour of healthy-scratched Nicholas Robertson scored the game-winning goal that sent the Maple Leafs to the second round. No surprise that the Maple Leafs are going to run almost the same line combinations that won Game six in Ottawa.

The Maple Leafs are looking for revenge for the embarrassment in the 2022–23 playoffs. After the Maple Leafs made the second round for the first time in nearly two decades in 2022–23, the Panthers systematically dismantled the Maple Leafs, winning the series 4–1.

However, despite the history of playoff failures, the Maple Leafs look different this year under Craig Berube. The Core four has been producing, Anthony Stolarz looks solid, and the defence corps is the best it’s been in literal decades.

While the Maple Leafs are the underdogs against the Panthers, you have to go through great teams on the way to the Stanley Cup. We outlined the keys to victory for the Maple Leafs over the Florida Panthers. Furthermore, the Maple Leafs can capitalize on the fact that the Panthers are without Aaron Ekblad, who is serving the final game of his two-game suspension tonight.

Time will tell if the Maple Leafs can rise to the occasion, however, that’s the exciting part about the playoffs. Anything can happen.