NHL playoffs: Leafs lose again in Toronto

UPDATE DAY

The best team doesn't always win. The Maple Leafs largely dominated Game 2 against the Florida Panthers, but they couldn't find the right combination to break through the wall Sergei Bobrovsky. 

The Panthers withstood multiple attacks from the Leafs in the third period to claim a 3-2 victory. Paul Maurice's team took a 2-0 lead in this second-round series. 

Described as an overpaid goaltender since arriving in Florida in 2019-20 with an annual salary of ten million dollars, Bobrovsky has been worth his weight in gold lately. 

John Tavares and William Nylander will probably have nightmares thinking of number 72. 

In terms of shots on goal, the Leafs led 36-29. But the statistic for shots attempted is even more representative of the evening at 71-46 for the formation with the maple leaf. 

Even with the view obscured by Leafs teammate Brandon Montour and Ryan O'Reilly, Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky didn't get distracted in the second period yesterday in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs had the wind in their sails in this meeting. After five minutes, they were in control 2-0. Alexander Kerfoot, back on the wing of the fourth line, and Ryan O'Reilly took turns hitting the target. 

But the Panthers have character. The Bruins discovered it in the first round. The Leafs must now realize it. Before the end of the first third, Anton Lundell had brought the visitors back to life by beating Ilya Samsonov.

Two goals in 66 seconds

Toronto's house of cards crumbled quickly in the second period. Aleksander Barkov took advantage of a gift from Samsonov in the 19th second to create the equality. Then a few seconds later, Gustav Forsling scored his second goal of the playoffs thanks to a nice pass from Matthew Tkachuk. 

After 66 seconds in the second period, the Panthers had already scored twice. On Forsling's goal, Auston Matthews played in the lace during an unsuccessful zone exit. A reversal that was very expensive. 

Hit by Sam Bennett in the first period, Matthew Knies did not end the game in the Leafs camp. The rookie attempted a comeback after that hard-hitting check, but ultimately forfeited. An injury to Knies would hurt Sheldon Keefe's gang as he brings great energy. 

A scare

On the side of the Panthers, defenseman Josh Mahura was shot directly in the face by Nylander in the second period. The puck worked its way under his visor to cut him near the eye. He was bleeding profusely when he came out of the ice. 

During this scene, we must salute the sportsmanship of Kerfoot who immediately alerted the referees even if his team found themselves in offensive territory and that they were threatening. 

Mahura regained his place at the blue line in the third period. 

The Leafs will leave for Florida down 0-2 in this series. On the psychological aspect, Keefe will remind his players that they won their three games against the Lightning in Tampa.

3

2Premi&egrave ;re period1-Tor: Alexander Kerfoot (2)
(Schenn, Rielly)2:20
2-Tor: Ryan OReilly (3)
(Marner, Matthews)AN-5:10< br>3-Flo: Anton Lundell (1)
(Reinhart)11:13Penalties: Dalpe (Flo) 4:45, Tkachuk (Flo) 6:23
Second Period4-Flo: Aleksander Barkov (2)
(Duclair)0:19
5-Flo: Gustav Forsling (2)
(Tkachuk, Lundell)1:06Penalties: Bennett (Flo) 15:28, Matthews (Tor) 20: 00
Third periodNo goals
Penalties: No penaltiesShooting Florida 9 – 9 – 11 – 29Toronto 15 – 10 – 11 – 36Goalkeepers: Flo: Sergei Bobrovsky (L, 5-1) Tor: Ilya Samsonov (P, 4-4)Powered Advantages:Flo: 0 for 1, Tor: 1 for 3Referees:Chris Rooney, Graham Skilliter Linesmen:Brad Kovachik, Matt MacPherson ASSISTANCE:19,387