North6ix Recap: Round 2 - Game 5 - Toronto vs Florida

(Picture via Editor in Leaf)

The Florida Panthers delivered a commanding 6–1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on May 14, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena. This win gives the Panthers a 3–2 series lead and puts the Maple Leafs on the brink of elimination.NHL

Florida's offense was firing on all cylinders, with six different players finding the back of the net. Defensemen Jesper Boqvist and Aaron Ekblad each contributed a goal and an assist, while Sam Reinhart and Nate Schmidt added two assists apiece. The Panthers broke the game open with three second-period goals and continued to dominate in the third. Reuters

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was stellar between the pipes, stopping 31 of 32 shots and anchoring the Panthers' defense. His performance was instrumental in stifling Toronto's offensive efforts. CBSSports.com

The Maple Leafs struggled throughout the game, with goaltender Joseph Woll allowing five goals on 25 shots before being replaced by Matt Murray. Toronto's lone goal came late in the third period from Nicholas Robertson. Reuters

The loss sparked frustration among the home crowd, with fans expressing their displeasure by booing and even throwing an Auston Matthews jersey onto the ice.

Game 6 is scheduled for May 16 in Florida, where the Panthers will have the opportunity to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Maple Leafs will need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.