The Maple Leafs successfully avoided elimination on Friday night.
With a 2-0 victory over the Panthers, Toronto tied its second-round series at three games apiece after losing the previous three matchups.
Now, the Maple Leafs will have a chance to close out the series in a massive Game 7 matchup at home on Sunday night. The winner will face the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals.
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Here’s a look at Toronto’s clutch victory in Game 6 on Friday, plus a look at the Maple Leafs’ rough history in Game 7s.
MORE: Full series schedule, TV info for Maple Leafs vs. Panthers
Maple Leafs vs. Panthers Game 6 highlights
Toronto had its backs against the walls coming into Friday, having won the first two games vs. Florida before losing three straight. But the Maple Leafs came through in the clutch, getting a flawless game from goalie Joseph Woll (22 saves) and a pair of scores.
It wasn’t until the third period that the Maple Leafs took their advantage. Auston Matthews struck first with a critical shot that broke the stalemate.
AUSTON MATTHEWS PUTS THE LEAFS IN THE LEAD!! 😤 pic.twitter.com/PV38xKI4zd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 17, 2025
To give themselves some insurance, the Maple Leafs added another goal with around six minutes remaining that sealed it. Max Pacioretty scored off assists from Bobby McMann and Max Domi.
McMann ➡️ Pacioretty!
The Leafs are up two 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/SrbHS6cXXw
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 17, 2025
Fans in Toronto were hyped up with their squad now one win away from advancing.
MAYHEM IN MAPLE LEAFS SQUARE AFTER MATTHEWS’ GO-AHEAD GOAL 🫨 pic.twitter.com/MKHTV8ycdn
— BarDown (@BarDown) May 17, 2025
Maple Leafs Game 7 record
Toronto will be seeking to break some bad Game 7 luck on Sunday night. According to StatMuse, the franchise is 12-15 all-time in Game 7s. However, the Maple Leafs have also lost six straight series-deciding matchups, per NHL.com, all being in the first round.
The team’s last Game 7 win was in 2004 against the Senators. Other numbers are on the Maple Leafs’ side, though, as according to Sportsnet, the team is 11-0 all-time in best-of-seven series when they take a 2-0 lead on their home ice, which they did against Florida.
On the other hand, the Panthers are 3-1 all-time in Game 7s, including 2-0 on the road.
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