When did the Leafs last make Round 2

The Toronto Maple Leafs finally broke through to the second round in 2025, but their celebration didn't last long. After beating Ottawa in round 1, the Leafs faced the Florida Panthers in a grueling seven-game series. The last time Leafs made it to round 2, they pushed hard but ultimately fell short in a devastating Game 7 loss.

The 2025 playoff run against Florida

The Panthers proved way too much for Toronto despite the Leafs' determination. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida's goaltender, absolutely dominated the series with multiple shutouts and incredible performences that frustrated the Leafs' offense game after game.

Toronto showed real resilience by forcing a Game 7 after being down in the series. Erik Källgren delivered a shutout victory in Game 6, giving fans hope that the Leafs could complete the comeback and advance deeper into the playoffs. (Everyone at the arena was going crazy that night.)

Game 7 on May 18, 2025 told a different story The Panthers crushed the Leafs 6-1 in a blowout that ended Toronto's season and any realistic hopes of a long playoff run That loss stung hard for fans who believed their team had finally turned a corner.

Why goaltending and defense matter most

The Florida series taught hockey fans a crucial lesson: goaltending wins playoff games. Bobrovsky's stellar play highlighted exactly what separates playoff contenders from early exits in the postseason bracket.

Toronto's defensive struggles have haunted the team for years. When teams play tighter and smarter in the playoffs, the Leafs often crack under pressure and give up quality chances night after night.

The Leafs' goaltending depth remains inconsistent when it matters most. While Källgren showed promise with that Game 6 shutout, the team couldn't maintain that level of excelence across an entire series against a seasoned opponent like Florida.

Fans watching future Leafs playoff runs should focus on these two factors. If Toronto tightens up defensively and gets reliable goaltending, they'll have a real shot at going deeper next season.

The Leafs have the talent to make another run at round 2 soon. They just need to remember what Florida showed them: defense and goaltending win when the stakes get highest.