Maple Leafs Eliminate Senators in Game 6, Set Sights on Florida Panthers in Round 2
William Nylander’s birthday heroics and Max Pacioretty’s return fuel Toronto’s playoff push as second-round series set to open Monday in Toronto
TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a hard-fought 4–2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 6 on Thursday night. The win marks just the third time since 2004 that the Leafs have advanced past the opening round, sparking renewed hope among Toronto’s long-suffering fan base.
On a night filled with storylines, birthday boy William Nylander led the charge with two goals and an assist, celebrating his 29th in style. Veteran forward Max Pacioretty, making a long-awaited return from injury, delivered the game-winning goal and added an assist in a standout performance.
LEAFS WWWWIN!!! pic.twitter.com/xYoAGQw1ik
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 2, 2025
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who joined the Leafs in the offseason, made 21 saves to anchor a disciplined defensive effort that helped close out the series 4–2. Toronto now shifts its focus to a highly anticipated second-round matchup against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
The series is expected to begin Monday night at Scotiabank Arena, with Toronto holding home-ice advantage after finishing atop the Atlantic Division with 108 points. The Panthers, who dispatched the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games, finished third in the division with 98 points.
The Leafs’ roster features several familiar names for Panthers fans: Anthony Stolarz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Steven Lorentz were all part of Florida’s championship team last season before joining Toronto.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “They’ve got really high-end elite skill, good goaltending.”
The upcoming series promises high stakes and plenty of drama. For the Maple Leafs, it’s a chance to build on their postseason momentum and make a deeper run toward the Stanley Cup — something this core has been chasing for years.
Next Up: Game 1 – Monday, May 5 at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto.
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