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The Florida Panthers hit the Toronto Maple Leafs in match 7 of the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference and went to the final of the Stanley Cup qualifying series.
The Panthers scored three goals in the first period and three others in the second in the 6-1 victory. Florida had six different scorers – Seth Jones, Anton Lundell, Jonah Gadjovich, Eetu Luostarinen, Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand.
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The Florida Florida Marchand Panthers striker, # 63, skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of the seventh game of the second round of the Steads of the Stanley 2025 Cup in Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on May 18, 2025. (Images John E. Sokolowski-Imagn)
Marchand marked in the last stages of the game, capping his story effort.
In the victory over the Maple Leafs, the NHL said that Marchand had become the first player to win five winning games against the same team. Marchand was with Boston Bruins when the team won four games 7 against Toronto. Florida’s victory was her fifth.
“I grew up a leaf fan and I like to play against the leafs,” said Marchand after the match. “I like to interact with fans. It’s fun. I don’t take myself too seriously. I love to make fun, and I like to make fun of people. If you can’t take it, then too bad. I will enjoy the moments I have.
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The Florida Panthers striker Brad Marchand, # 63, speaks to the media at the post-match press conference after the seven match of the second round of the Stanley 2025 cup playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on May 18, 2025. (Images John E. Sokolowski-Imagn)
“When I come here and I’m hua, I’m fine. I’m going to show it. I’m going to appreciate that.”
Florida acquired the Bruins veteran on the deadline for trade, and it was for the additional push with regard to the playoffs.
Panthers’ head coach Paul Maurice also kept his victory sequence in Victory in match 7. He has a 6-0 sheet in match 7 as a chief coach.
“Match 7 is for the players,” said Maurice. “No matter what your hands feel. No matter how your body feels. No matter how you are running out. If it’s how comfortable you are in difficult situations, then you have a chance.”
Brad Marchand of Florida Panthers, # 63, is sent from ice during the third period of the hockey action of the NHL qualifying series against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press via AP)
Panthers are the title champions of the Stanley Cup and will face the Hurricans of Caroline in the conference final.
