The Toronto Maple Leafs have an opportunity to secure a playoff berth on Monday night against the Florida Panthers. With the NHL regular season winding down, numerous teams are vying for playoff positions, adding to the significance of Monday’s games.
The Leafs can clinch a playoff spot in several ways:
• If the Leafs defeat the Panthers, and the Detroit Red Wings lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning in regulation, along with the New York Islanders losing to the Philadelphia Flyers.
• If the Leafs win against the Panthers, and both Detroit and Philadelphia lose in regulation.
• If the Leafs win against the Panthers in regulation, Detroit loses in regulation, and Philadelphia loses in a shootout.
This game holds importance not only for the Leafs but also for the Panthers, who have the opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the Atlantic Division and reach the 100-point mark for just the third time in franchise history.
Furthermore, this matchup could potentially serve as a preview of a first-round playoff series. Last season, the Panthers eliminated the Leafs in the second round of the playoffs, ultimately advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
In their two meetings earlier this season, each team secured a victory on home ice, with Toronto prevailing in their last encounter on Nov. 28 with a 2-1 win.
Auston Matthews, fresh off becoming the ninth player in NHL history to achieve multiple 60-goal seasons, will aim to set a new career-high in goals.
Fans can catch the action between the Leafs and Panthers on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT or follow along with the NHL Live Tracker.
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