Maple Leafs Survive Panthers’ Push in Game 1, Take Series Lead

Nylander explodes early, Woll steps up late as Toronto holds on for 5–4 win

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs held off a furious third-period rally to edge the Florida Panthers 5–4 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Monday night at Scotiabank Arena.

William Nylander came out flying, scoring twice and assisting on another in a dominant opening period that saw the Leafs race out to a 3–1 lead. Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev also chipped in goals as Toronto built a 4–1 advantage midway through the second.

But the biggest story of the night may be in goal.

Starting netminder Anthony Stolarz exited the game early in the second period after taking an elbow to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett — a collision that went unpenalized and left Leafs fans outraged. With Stolarz sidelined, backup Joseph Woll stepped in cold and delivered 17 saves, surviving a relentless Florida push that produced three third-period goals.

The Panthers got goals from Seth Jones, Sam Bennett, Eetu Luostarinen, and Uvis Balinskis. They nearly tied it in the final moments, but Woll stood tall to preserve the one-goal win.

What’s Next:
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Toronto. Puck drops at 7:00 PM.

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