Marner’s magic and Woll’s wall: Toronto Maple Leafs seize 2-0 lead over Panthers in NHL Playoffs

Maple Leafs’ new core shines as Playoff pressure mounts

With their Stanley Cup dreams hanging in the balance, the Toronto Maple Leafs turned to two players at very different points in their careers — and both delivered under playoff pressure. Mitch Marner, fresh off becoming a father, and Joseph Woll, a backup goalie thrust into the spotlight, helped secure a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the NHL playoff series Wednesday night, May 7.

Marner’s third-period winner came just 17 seconds after Florida tied it, showing a new level of resilience in a Toronto team long burdened by postseason demons.


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“A really exciting time in my house … pretty special feeling tonight,” said Marner, who turned 28 and welcomed son Miles within 48 hours.

The victory puts the Leafs up 2-0 in the second-round playoff series — a rare position of strength for a team with only one playoff series win since 2004 before this season.

Joseph Woll steps up as Leafs’ goaltending savior

After starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz exited Game 1 with a head injury, Joseph Woll stepped into the crease and offered Toronto a steady, confident presence. The 25-year-old made 25 saves, none more crucial than a sprawling stop on Mackie Samoskevich with under 10 minutes remaining.

“It’s a different challenge than playing every night, but a challenge nonetheless,” said Woll, who last started on April 17.

Woll, who posted a .950 save percentage in previous NHL playoff appearances, continued to prove he can handle postseason intensity.

“Calm and cool… very impressed,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said.

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The Leafs now rely on Woll to maintain that momentum as the series shifts to Sunrise, Florida for Game 3.

Offensive depth and grit carry Leafs past Panthers

Toronto’s victory was built on contributions from up and down the lineup. Max Pacioretty and Max Domi each recorded a goal and an assist, while William Nylander netted his sixth goal of the playoffs. Morgan Rielly added two assists in a game that saw heavy physical play and dramatic swings in momentum.

The Florida Panthers, who defeated Toronto in five games in the 2023 playoffs, started strong with Aleksander Barkov’s power-play goal and took a brief lead on Brad Marchand’s tally early in the second period. But Toronto responded swiftly each time.

“They’re very good on the rush,” said Marchand. “Every time we gave them the opportunity… they capitalized.”

The Maple Leafs’ power play remained inconsistent, failing to capitalize on early chances. Still, Pacioretty tipped in a point shot late in the first to even the score 2-2.

“We knew they were going to play a very, very intense game,” said Pacioretty. “We were able to match that.”

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The Leafs will now seek to carry their offensive depth, defensive discipline, and goaltending poise into Game 3 on Friday, May 9.