The Toronto Maple Leafs are doing a lot of things they haven’t done in a while this season. After topping their division for the first time since the 1999-2000 season, they broke an even older curse. For the first time since 1987, the Toronto Maple Leafs have gained a 2-0 series lead in the second round of the NHL playoffs. What makes it even more special is that the Leafs have done so against the defending champions. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand and Co. are feeling the heat.

After losing a close Game 1 with a final scoreline of 5-4 in the Leafs’ favor, the Panthers suffered another narrow defeat in Game 2. Despite their best effort, the 2024 champs just couldn’t take the lead as the Maple Leafs broke the tie in the third to win 4-3. However, the newest Florida Panthers star, Marchand, may know exactly what to change to save the series and their Stanley Cup dreams.

“You know, their biggest threat is they’re very good on the rush,” said the NHL veteran who spent 16 seasons with the Panthers’ rivals, the Boston Bruins. “I mean, you’ve got to be above them. It seemed like every time we gave them the opportunity to get above us, they created something or capitalized on it,” added Brad Marchand. Although their clashes have been incredibly scrappy, the 36-year-old believes he sees through the chaos.

“It doesn’t take much for them to score, you know. So we just have to make sure that we’re pretty much perfect out there on our defensive coverage,” explained the NHL star. However, that’s easier said than done. Rushing in hockey almost always happens when the opponents outnumber the defense. So it’s safe to say the Panthers’ defense has their work cut out.

This is especially true because Brad Marchand’s new team and last year’s champions’ defense were back to full strength. The two-game suspension that kept star defenseman Aaron Ekblad away from the ice expired tonight. In fact, the Panthers might not have scored their third goal if Ekblad didn’t assist Anton Lundell. That being said, the Leafs are not letting the chaos get to them.

Leafs aim to keep their cool against Brad Marchand and Co.

Mitch Marner was the man of the hour after breaking the tie with a long-range shot at 5:50 of the third period. The Maple Leafs’ superstar has been invaluable for his team this year in the playoffs. However, Marner explained that the team can’t afford to let the chaos and physicality get to them. “We’re just trying to keep our calmness,” Marner said after the game.

After all, a chaotic and aggressive play style would ultimately favor Panthers players like Brad Marchand. So the decisive goalscorer is bracing for a wild ride ahead in the series. “It’s going to be a roller-coaster ride throughout every game. There’s going to be different ups and downs throughout everything,” said the Maple Leafs star.

“We’re playing a heck of a hockey team over there and you know they’re going to come with everything, especially when they’re down goals, and for us, it’s just trying to stay even-keeled throughout it all,” Marner added. While Scott Laughton’s hit on Evan Rodrigues has generated a lot of buzz, the Leafs have managed to keep their composure.

Even replacement goalie Joseph Woll made some great saves to keep the Leafs in the lead. It’s even more impressive, considering this was his first start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Maple Leafs. “It’s a different challenge than playing every night but a challenge nonetheless,” Woll told the media. And as things stand, the netminder may have to keep his calm in front of Brad Marchand and the team for a few more new games.

Leaf’s goalie, Anthony Stolarz, raised serious concerns after he started vomiting and left the game after a hit to the head. While coach Craig Berube assured ESPN that “Anthony is recovering. He’s fine. He’s doing OK,” the Leafs did rule him out of the game. They also didn’t say when he’d be back. So now, only time will tell if the Panthers can crack the Leafs’ strategy.