The Toronto Maple Leafs kept their playoff hopes alive, forcing a Game 7 by defeating the Florida Panthers 2-0 on the road in Game 6. Auston Matthews showed signs of life, mirroring the team`s resurgence.
Heading into Friday night`s crucial elimination game, Matthews faced significant pressure, having not yet scored in the series where the Leafs` 2-0 lead had evaporated into a 3-2 deficit. He rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
The scoreless deadlock was broken 6:20 into the third period when Matthews drove into the offensive zone on the rush and fired a precise shot past Sergei Bobrovsky. This timely goal was Matthews` first of the series and proved to be the game-winner, arriving at a critical juncture for Toronto.
Veteran forward Max Pacioretty extended Toronto`s lead later in the period, scoring his third goal of the playoffs. He aggressively drove to the net and finished a beautiful pass from Bobby McMann.
Equally crucial for the Leafs was the performance of goaltender Joseph Woll. Bouncing back from a difficult Game 5 where he conceded five goals on only 25 shots, Woll was perfect this night, stopping all 22 shots faced to earn a pivotal shutout.
As another intense night of NHL playoff action concludes, we recognize the standout performers with our Three Stars of the Night.
3. Max Pacioretty | LW | Maple Leafs
Over the past few seasons, Pacioretty has often seemed like a veteran nearing the end of his career. However, in these playoffs, he has rediscovered his form, delivering another strong performance tonight.
His vital contribution in Game 6 was scoring a critical insurance goal late in the third period. Pacioretty outmaneuvered Nate Schmidt to reach the net and redirect a precise pass from McMann, giving Toronto a comfortable cushion. For the Leafs to advance, depth scoring is essential, and Pacioretty provided just that.
2. Joseph Woll | G | Maple Leafs
Joseph Woll, much like the entire team, struggled significantly in Game 5, leading many to question his readiness for a must-win situation. Yet, he delivered a flawless performance on Friday. While Toronto`s defense helped by limiting high-danger chances, Woll was solid, stopping every shot that reached him.
Facing only 22 shots from the Panthers, Woll turned aside every single one. According to Natural Stat Trick, he made four high-danger saves, proving clutch when needed. His performance resulted in 1.11 goals saved above average, and he successfully shut down all seven Florida rebound opportunities. If Woll can maintain this elite level in Game 7, the Maple Leafs have a real chance at reaching the Eastern Conference Final.
1. Auston Matthews | C | Maple Leafs
Was any player under more intense scrutiny than Auston Matthews? (The answer is likely no). The Maple Leafs` captain had been held off the scoresheet throughout the series until scoring the decisive game-winning goal in the do-or-die Game 6.
Florida`s defense effectively contained Matthews for most of the series. However, in the third period of Game 6, he found just enough room during a rush to unleash his signature shot. This `vintage Matthews` goal, characterized by its deceptive and lethal release, caught Bobrovsky by surprise and gave Toronto the late lead. The goal undoubtedly relieved immense pressure from Matthews, and his ability to carry this momentum into a pivotal Game 7 will be a key storyline.
