The Leafs were in control of the first two periods, getting goals from three of their four forward lines. Nick Robertson and Auston Matthews secured the 2-0 lead after the opening period. Brandon Montour cut the Panthers’ deficit in half with his seventh 47 seconds into the middle frame, but Tyler Bertuzzi, David Kämpf and Matthew Knies brought the game to an almost unreachable height with goals of their own.
Florida started the third with a mission that was close to coming true. Vladimir Tarasenko was the star of the final 20 minutes as his 22nd goal was the first of three points. Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett continued the momentum, and before we knew it, there was 1:50 left on the clock. Matthews fought for and secured the empty net goal, making it a 6-4 decision for the Leafs.
3 Stars:
- Auston Matthews
- Nick Robertson
- Ilya Samsonov