Context:

The Toronto Maple Leafs aim to secure a commanding 3-0 lead in their series against the Florida Panthers, having already won the first two games by narrow margins. Historically, teams in the Panthers' position rarely come back from such deficits, exacerbating the pressure on Florida to perform on home ice. Meanwhile, Mikko Rantanen is making history with his scoring spree, leading the Dallas Stars in their series against the Winnipeg Jets after securing a 1-0 lead. Rantanen's exceptional form includes a streak of involvement in all recent Dallas goals and back-to-back playoff hat tricks, a feat achieved by only two other players before him. The Jets, struggling defensively after conceding numerous goals in recent games, must find a way to neutralize Rantanen's impact to avoid falling further behind in the series.

Dive Deeper:

• The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken a 2-0 lead in their series against the Florida Panthers, winning both games by just one goal each, and are now looking to advance further with a third consecutive win.

• Historically, the odds are against the Panthers, as Toronto has never lost a series after leading 2-0, and teams in Florida's position have a mere 14% success rate in overcoming such deficits.

• Mikko Rantanen is on an extraordinary scoring run for the Dallas Stars, becoming the third player in NHL playoff history to record hat tricks in consecutive games, and having assisted in all recent team goals.

• Rantanen's performance includes being the first player to achieve at least eight goals and six assists over a four-game stretch, with impressive displays of dominance that have significantly impacted the series against Winnipeg.

• The Winnipeg Jets have struggled defensively, giving up 26 goals over their last six games, and need to improve their containment of Rantanen and the Stars to avoid falling 0-2 in the series.

• Despite the challenges, the Panthers and Jets are focusing on adjustments and improvements as they prepare to host their respective games, with the Panthers aiming to leverage home advantage for a comeback.

• Both series highlight the intense nature of playoff hockey, where historical patterns and current form play significant roles in shaping the outcomes of these tightly contested matchups.