Who will the Leafs play in the second round

The Toronto Maple Leafs faced the Florida Panthers in the 2025 second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. So who will the leafs play in the second round? Well, that answer turned out to be a team that refused to go away. Both squads brought serious skill to every game, but the Panthers ultimately won 4-3 in a thrilling Game 7 that came down to the final moments. For Leafs fans, it was a tough pill to swallow.

How the Leafs got there

Toronto dominated the regular season with 108 points, finishing first in the Atlantic Division. The Leafs scored goals and controlled games night after night without much trouble. Their first-round victory set them up nicely for a deep playoff run. Most people figured the Leafs would make serious noise in the Stanley Cup playoffs based on how well they played all year.

The Panthers proved too tough

Florida entered the playoffs as the third seed in the Atlantic Division after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning in round one. The Panthers brought serious offensive firepower to every game they played. Toronto won the first two games at home, looking like they might cruise to an easy series win. But Florida had other ideas (and honestly, they were pretty good ideas).

The Panthers came roaring back with consecutive wins that shifted momentum completely. Games became back and forth as both teams traded chances and traded goals. William Nylander led Toronto's charge with six goals and nine assists through the series. Sam Reinhart answered for Florida with crucial scoring that kept the Panthers breathing.

Game 7 arrived with everything on the line for both teams. These close games tested both squads' mental toughness in ways that matter most. Florida's depth and determination finaly wore down Toronto's defense over time. The Panthers advanced with a dramatic victory that stunned Leafs fans everywhere.

What this series tells us

Strong regular seasons don't guarantee playoff success, apparently. The Leafs won 108 points but couldn't finish the job against Florida. Defense and staying composed during tight moments matter way more in the playoffs than people realize. When stakes get higher, every small mistake gets punished hard.

Hockey remains beautifully unpredictable when championships hang in the balance. The team that finished first in their division couldn't eliminate the third seed. That's the nature of playoff hockey anything can happen when seven games determine your fate.