The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers meet in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Friday, May 9, 2025, with the Leafs holding a 2–0 series lead after a pair of gritty, high-tempo victories in Toronto. After narrowly escaping with a 4–3 win in Game 2, the Maple Leafs have taken control of the series thanks to a dynamic offense led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, as well as resilient play from their blueline and backup goaltender Joseph Woll, who stepped in seamlessly after starter Anthony Stolarz suffered a head injury in Game 1. Toronto’s balanced scoring and ability to capitalize on special teams have been difference-makers through two games, as their power play has exploited Florida’s penalty kill breakdowns with precision puck movement and sharp finishes. Matthews, in particular, has been a force at both ends of the ice, finding shooting lanes while also anchoring Toronto’s aggressive forecheck, which has consistently disrupted Florida’s breakout. On the defensive end, the Leafs have used a tight zone system to limit Florida’s high-danger chances, forcing the Panthers into perimeter shots and neutralizing their usual net-front presence. Joseph Woll’s calm demeanor and rebound control have given the Maple Leafs much-needed stability in goal, helping them maintain confidence despite losing their No. 1 netminder. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers return home looking to bounce back in front of a desperate home crowd at Amerant Bank Arena, where they must make adjustments quickly if they want to prevent this series from spiraling into a 3–0 hole.

Florida’s offense has sputtered in the moments it’s mattered most—while Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand have generated some offensive zone time, finishing has been an issue, with several prime chances failing to beat Woll or ringing off iron. Sergei Bobrovsky has faced a barrage of chances and while he’s made highlight-reel saves, he’s also given up goals at inopportune moments, particularly on screens and second-chance opportunities. Defensively, the Panthers have failed to control Toronto’s transition speed and have looked overwhelmed trying to contain their opponent’s top six, often leaving gaps in the slot that have led directly to goals. Florida’s special teams have also let them down—both the power play and penalty kill have underperformed, and without improvement there, it’s hard to envision a turnaround. Game 3 will hinge on the Panthers’ ability to make the right tactical tweaks, including tightening defensive zone coverage, winning more faceoffs, and finding ways to get traffic in front of Woll to make his night uncomfortable. For the Maple Leafs, the goal is simple: keep executing at the same level, manage momentum swings on the road, and continue trusting their depth, which has outplayed Florida’s bottom six through the first two games. If Toronto maintains its structured play and continues converting on special teams, they’re in prime position to take a commanding 3–0 series lead and place one foot firmly in the Eastern Conference Final. Game 3 is do-or-die for Florida; for Toronto, it’s a chance to crush the opposition’s hope and solidify their playoff identity as a team finally breaking through past postseason disappointments.