Who Do the Leafs Play in Round 2

The Toronto Maple Leafs faced the Florida Panthers in Round 2 of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Who do Leafs play in round 2? The answer was a heated Atlantic Division rival ready for battle. The series went the distance at seven games, with the Panthers ultimately advancing. This matchup delivered everything hockey fans crave high-scoring games, overtime drama, and resilient performances from both sides.

The Leafs face the Florida Panthers

Toronto earned their second-round spot by defeating the Ottawa Senators in six games. Florida took down the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games to join them. Both Atlantic Division teams brought serious offensive firepower to the series. The Leafs finished the regular season first in the division with 108 points, while Florida came in third. These teams knew each other well from the regular season, but playoff hockey is always different (and way more intense, honestly).

How the series unfolded

Toronto came out swinging. The Leafs won Games 1 and 2 by scores of 5-4 and 4-3, respectivly. They looked unstoppable early on. Then Florida showed their championship pedigree. The Panthers won Game 3 in overtime 5-4, refusing to go away quietly. From there, the series became a back-and-forth battle with both teams trading blows. The fast-paced, high-scoring games kept fans glued to their screens. Florida eventually clinched Game 7 to advance and send Toronto home despite their strong start.

Star players who made the difference

William Nylander led Toronto's charge with his scoring ability. The winger scored 6 goals and added 9 assists during the series, showcasing elite offensive talent. His ability to find the back of the net kept the Leafs competitive throughout. Sam Reinhart emerged as Florida's leading scorer and clutch performer. Reinhart delivered in crucial moments, especially during overtime situations. Goaltending also played a major role, with both teams' netminders making critical saves in close games. Individual performances shaped the outcome more than anything else.

What this means for the Leafs

Toronto extended their playoff streak to nine consecutive years, matching the longest active streak in the NHL. That's a remarkable achievement that shows real organizational consistency. However, another second-round exit has to sting for fans and players alike. The Leafs built a powerhouse regular season roster but couldn't finish the job when it mattered most. The 2025 playoffs proved that offense alone doesn't guarantee playoff success. Strong defensive play and goaltending become even more important in the postseason. Toronto's fans watched their team come close but ultimately fall short against a Panthers team destined for bigger things.