The NHL playoffs are just around the corner, and teams are making moves to prepare for the battle ahead. One team getting a lot of attention right now is the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. Surprisingly, they’re resting some of their older players—even though they’ve been struggling lately.
Panthers Falling Behind in the Atlantic Division
The Florida Panthers have lost five games in a row and are starting to slip in the standings. They are now six points behind the top team in the Atlantic Division, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and four points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning. Even the Ottawa Senators, who hold the last wild-card spot, are just two points behind the Panthers.
This has led some people to think that the Panthers might actually prefer to play the Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs instead of facing the tougher Lightning. After all, Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021 and has been looking stronger this year.
But is it really a smart idea to underestimate the Leafs?
Don’t Count Out the Toronto Maple Leafs
Some critics say the Leafs often choke in the playoffs. It’s true they haven’t reached the Conference Final in 11 straight postseasons. But let’s not forget—teams like the Colorado Avalanche also took a long time to figure things out. The Avalanche didn’t make it past the second round for years, but they finally won the Cup in 2021-22.
The same thing could happen for the Leafs this year.
They have two solid goalkeepers in Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Their defense lineup is one of the best the team has had in years. And their group of top forwards, often called the “Core Four,” is still a strong threat. Add to that a coach who has already won a Cup—Craig Berube—and you’ve got a team that’s ready to fight.
Florida’s Struggles Continue
While Toronto is building up steam, Florida is losing its edge. They’ve gone 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and have won just four of their last 13 games since early March. Injuries are also a problem for them. Even if they get healthy in time for the playoffs, it’s hard to turn things around quickly.
That’s why some people might actually prefer to play Florida in the first round rather than take on Toronto.
Leafs Deserve More Respect
If the Maple Leafs face the Ottawa Senators or the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, they will likely be the favorites. That said, no playoff series is ever easy.
Still, thinking that the Leafs are an easy opponent is just wrong. This team is loaded with talent, has good coaching, and most importantly, they are hungry to prove themselves.
Anyone betting against the Leafs this year might be making a huge mistake.
The NHL playoffs are unpredictable, but writing off the Toronto Maple Leafs as an easy win would be foolish. While the Florida Panthers are battling injuries and poor form, the Leafs have a strong lineup, experienced coaching, and a lot to prove. Whether they go far or not, they are not the kind of team others should take lightly. This year could be their moment to shine, and anyone underestimating them might end up getting burned.
