Securing a playoff berth and witnessing Auston Matthews notch his 61st goal of the season, potentially setting a new franchise record, are top priorities for the Maple Leafs as they face off against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena.
Both teams anticipate a playoff-like intensity as they take to the ice, with the Panthers particularly focused on containing Matthews, whose goal tally stands at 60 in 72 games.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice acknowledges the challenge of stopping Matthews, emphasizing the need for solid defense and hoping for a bit of luck. In net for the Leafs, Ilya Samsonov will maintain his position after an impressive shutout performance against the Sabres. Meanwhile, the Panthers will rely on veteran Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes.
Although defenseman Morgan Rielly remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury, Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe is optimistic about his recovery, stating that Rielly is nearing full health.
A victory for the Leafs would mark their eighth consecutive playoff appearance, tying them with the Boston Bruins for the NHL’s longest active streak. To secure their spot, the Leafs have specific scenarios they must fulfill, depending on the outcomes of other games.
With just four points behind the Panthers in the Atlantic Division standings, a win for Toronto could significantly narrow the gap.
Ryan Reaves, a winger for the Leafs, expresses admiration for Matthews’ scoring prowess, suggesting that even reaching 70 goals this season isn’t beyond the realm of possibility.
Looking ahead to a potential postseason matchup, both teams could meet again in April, reminiscent of their clash in the second round last spring.
Generating offense against the defensively strong Panthers will be a challenge for the Leafs, as they’ll need to navigate through tight pressure and defensive structures.
Despite the game possibly offering a preview of a playoff series, Maurice emphasizes that it remains a regular-season matchup, but he expects an exciting and high-energy contest from both sides.