The Leafs came away with an early two-goal lead from Mitch Marner on the power play and Noah Gregor after a well-battled opening period. However, the Florida Panthers turned a gear in the second in what was one of Toronto’s most porous periods of the season. It took 28 seconds for Carter Verhaeghe to get the Panthers into the game with his 34th of the season.
The floodgates were wide open from that point on, and Florida exploded for three goals in three minutes from Sam Bennett, Verhaeghe and Brandon Montour. The Leafs didn’t give up any more goals at even strength afterward in the third, but they also couldn’t solve Anthony Stolarz for a third time. Reinhart wound up getting the empty netter for his second of the game, and the Leafs’ playoff fate was sealed.
After tomorrow’s game, the Boston Bruins will be their opponent.
3 Stars: No Stars
This game was a real bummer to watch.
I’m glad it’s Boston in the first. Not because of this game. I just feel like beating the Bruins. Fuck you, Beantown!