Context:

The Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the Florida Panthers in the second round of the NHL Playoffs, following a significant Game 6 victory over the Senators in the first round. The Leafs, who have struggled in the postseason despite consecutive playoff appearances, are up against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers, who have shown impressive form by defeating the Lightning. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as the Panthers had previously defeated the Leafs in the 2023 playoffs. Game 1 will be broadcast live in the U.S. on ESPN and in Canada on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports, with streaming available on Fubo. Florida, having represented the Eastern Conference in the last two Stanley Cup Finals, is aiming to continue their successful playoff run, while Toronto seeks to build on their recent playoff series win, their first in 21 years.

Dive Deeper:

• The Leafs, fresh off their second playoff series win in 21 years, secured an important Game 6 victory against the Senators, overcoming the possibility of a series collapse after taking an initial 3-0 lead.

• Toronto's regular season was strong, marked by securing 108 points and winning the Atlantic Division, yet their playoff history shows only two series wins despite nine consecutive appearances.

• The Florida Panthers, having erased the Lightning in five games, enter as the defending Stanley Cup champions and have won eight playoff series over the past three years.

• Matthew Tkachuk's performance is pivotal for the Panthers, as he scored three goals upon returning from a nearly two-month absence due to a lower-body injury.

• Game 1 of the series is scheduled to air in the U.S. on ESPN and in Canada on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports, with live streaming available on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

• The Panthers have a recent history of playoff success, having defeated the Leafs in the 2023 postseason and represented the Eastern Conference in the last two Stanley Cup Finals, winning their first title last season.

• Fans can also listen to the live broadcast of the Leafs vs. Panthers series on SiriusXM, which offers a free four-month trial for new subscribers, providing access to live sports and analysis across multiple channels.

• On the heels of only their second playoff series win in the last 21 years, the Leafs barrel into the second round for a high-stakes duel with the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers. 

• Toronto secured a monumental Game 6 victory over the Senators to win its first-round clash, squashing notions of a possible collapse after racing out to a 3-0 series lead. The resiliency echoed the tone that the Leafs set during the regular season, when they secured 108 points and won the Atlantic Division. 

• WATCH:Leafs vs. Panthers Game 1 LIVE on Fubo (free trial)