Former player Paul Bissonnette is setting a combative tone for the upcoming Eastern Conference Second Round series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. The matchup is a rematch of the 2023 second round won by the Panthers in five games.
Bissonnette, now a broadcaster, addressed the Panthers directly on a recent podcast episode. He specifically called out forwards Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand, signaling unfinished business from the Maple Leafs' perspective.
The Toronto Maple Leafs advanced to the second round by defeating the Ottawa Senators in six games. The Florida Panthers eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning their first-round series in five games.
Both teams are using various methods to prepare for the contest. Matthew Tkachuk indicated he would seek information from his younger brother Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Senators, who just faced the Maple Leafs. Matthew Tkachuk mentioned asking about individual tendencies and physical condition.
Conversely, the Toronto Maple Leafs have three former Panthers players in their lineup — defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, forward Steven Lorentz, and goalie Anthony Stolarz. The team is drawing on their insights regarding the Panthers' mindset and style of play.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube emphasized discipline and composure for his team, noting that the intensity of the playoffs increases in later rounds. He stated the team understands the physical nature of the series. Panthers coach Paul Maurice noted that both teams have changed since their 2023 playoff meeting, including the Maple Leafs' coaching staff and style of game.
The Florida Panthers are known for their physical approach. They led the NHL in hits during the regular season and continued that pace in the first round.
Game 1 of the series is scheduled for Monday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Matthew Tkachuk missed practice Sunday but is expected to play in the opening game after returning from an injury sustained earlier in the year during the 4 Nations Face-Off.
"Ready to go for the second round," Berube said. "That's my feel."
