A significant incident unfolded during Game 7 as referee Chris Rooney suffered a severe injury after being struck in the face by a high stick from Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola. The incident occurred early in the second period, forcing Rooney to exit the game. Alternate referee Garrett Rank replaced him, and the match continued with the score still tied at 0-0.

Despite the disruption, the Florida Panthers quickly found their stride, with defenseman Seth Jones scoring the first goal shortly after Rooney's departure. The Panthers added two more goals, one from Anthon Lundell and another from Jonah Gadjovich, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. A subsequent goal from Jones was disallowed due to goalie interference, but the Panthers continued to dominate the game.

Game 7 of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers is set to be a historic event, especially with the Leafs looking to break their long-standing playoff curse. The team’s core, featuring Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, has struggled in Game 7s in recent years, failing to secure a victory despite talent and high stakes. Fans are hopeful, buoyed by the electricity of the home crowd at Scotiabank Arena.

This season, the Leafs have shown resilience and determination, overcoming a daunting 3-2 series deficit against the defending champions. The pivotal Game 6 victory—a shutout by goaltender Joseph Woll—has sparked optimism among fans. Notably, Woll's performance in elimination games has been historic, contributing to the team's current momentum.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for a pivotal Game 7 against the Florida Panthers, all eyes are on goaltender Joseph Woll, who has showcased remarkable playoff performance. Woll enters the game with a stellar 1.13 goals-against average in elimination games, ranking him second in NHL history among goalies with five or more such starts. His recent shutout in Game 6 has only heightened expectations. Meanwhile, the Leafs' core players, including Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, are looking to overcome their collective Game 7 struggles; they are 0-5 since Matthews joined the team.

Adding to the drama, celebrity rapper Drake has placed a $1 million bet on the Leafs, further fueling the lore surrounding 'Drake's Curse' in sports betting. Past heartbreaks haunt fans, as the Leafs seek their first Game 7 victory since 2004. The charged atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena promises to be electric, with passionate fans hoping to finally see their team advance beyond the second round. Coach Craig Berube emphasizes the importance of home-ice advantage, citing their top-tier playoff seeding. Will Woll's historic form and the fans' unwavering belief be enough to break the cycle of disappointment?

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a critical Game 7 in their playoff series against the Florida Panthers, following a valiant Game 6 win that kept their postseason hopes alive. However, they will continue without starting goalie Anthony Stolarz, who was injured in Game 1. Backup Joseph Woll has been inconsistent, performing well in Game 6 with a shutout but faltering in Game 5 by allowing five goals.

Woll's performance will be pivotal in Game 7 as the Maple Leafs look to advance to the Eastern Conference Final. His ability to limit the Panthers' scoring chances will be crucial. There's slim hope for Stolarz's return, as he did not participate in the morning skate, indicating that Woll will once again have to carry the load for the team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are set to collide in a decisive Game 7, marking the thrilling conclusion of a tightly contested series. Toronto began strong with two victories, only to see Florida rally back with three consecutive wins. However, a crucial Game 6 victory for the Maple Leafs has set the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown.

The Maple Leafs are historically challenged in Game 7s, losing the last six they have played. Meanwhile, the Panthers boast a solid track record, winning three out of four in similar situations. Auston Matthews’ Game 6 goal was pivotal, giving him his first postseason goal against Florida. Key players like Joseph Woll, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner will need to step up for Toronto, while Florida relies on the experience of Brad Marchand and the prowess of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.