Anthony Stolarz, the Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltender, has transformed from a backup in Florida to a playoff contender in Toronto, showcasing his reliability during the Leafs' quest to break their long-standing Stanley Cup drought. Stolarz's impressive regular-season stats include a .926 save percentage and 2.14 goals-against average, which played a pivotal role in the Leafs' success once he returned from injury.

Faced with a challenging playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, Stolarz has already contributed to two overtime victories, but faced criticism for a recent performance. His experience and robust frame have made him a formidable presence in net, reflecting a much-needed change in goaltending for the Leafs, who have faltered in playoffs past. Stolarz’s ability to bounce back from setbacks could be key as Toronto seeks to advance, potentially facing his former teammate Sergei Bobrovsky in the next round.

The Florida Panthers overcame the Tampa Bay Lightning with a decisive 6-3 victory, advancing to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Eetu Luostarinen spearheaded the effort with a goal and three assists, while Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, and Sam Reinhart each contributed to the scoring. Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves, showcasing his solid performance as the Panthers eliminated their in-state rivals for the second consecutive season, winning the series in five games.

Despite Tampa Bay's Nick Paul scoring the first goal of the match, Florida quickly equalized with Verhaeghe's power-play goal. The Lightning's inability to capitalize on home ice was evident, as they have now lost nine of their last ten playoff games in front of their fans. The Panthers will now prepare to face the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators series, which currently sees Toronto leading 3-2.

The Florida Panthers triumphed over the Tampa Bay Lightning with a decisive 6-3 victory in Game 5, thus advancing to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Eetu Luostarinen shone brightly, contributing a goal and three assists. Other key goals came from Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, and captain Aleksander Barkov. Sergei Bobrovsky secured the win with 26 saves, showcasing his resilience in goal. This victory marks the Panthers' advancement to the postseason's second round for the fourth consecutive year, and they will now face the winner of the ongoing series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, with Toronto holding a slim lead of 3-2.

The Florida Panthers cruised to a commanding 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, securing their spot in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Eetu Luostarinen emerged as a standout performer, contributing significantly with a goal and three assists. Other contributors included Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, and Aleksander Barkov, each of whom found the back of the net. This victory marks the Panthers' continued dominance over their in-state rivals, successfully eliminating the Lightning in five games for the second straight season. Sergei Bobrovsky was solid in goal, making 26 saves, as Florida reached the second round for the fourth consecutive year. They will next face the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators series, currently led by Toronto.

The Florida Panthers displayed a thrilling comeback against the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning 4-2 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in the first round of the playoffs. With just under four minutes remaining, Aaron Ekblad tied the game with a rebound goal, swiftly followed by Seth Jones' strike just eleven seconds later, turning a two-goal deficit into a lead. Anton Lundell also contributed a goal, while Carter Verhaeghe sealed the victory with an empty-netter. Sergei Bobrovsky made 18 saves, showcasing his reliability in goal.

The Panthers had a quiet third period, managing only three shots on goal until their explosive finish. The Lightning's hopes faded when Brandon Hagel left the game after a high hit from Ekblad, who did not receive a penalty. Tampa Bay had briefly surged ahead in the second period with goals from Mitchell Chaffee and Erik Cernak, but their lead could not withstand the Panthers' late-game surge.