Panthers Aim for Fast Start Against Maple Leafs in Game 4

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The battle between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers intensifies as the teams prepare for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Second Round on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET. After a dramatic overtime victory in Game 3, the Panthers look to even the series at two games apiece.

The Panthers find themselves down 2-1 in the best-of-7 matchup and know the importance of securing a win at home before heading back to Toronto. Panthers forward emphasized the need to maintain their approach and not let the stakes change their style of play. “What we have to do to be successful doesn’t change,” he said.

A crucial factor for the Panthers is a stronger start to the game. They have given up goals within the first minute in two of the three games, allowing tallies just 33 seconds into Game 1 and 23 seconds into Game 3. Coach Paul Maurice addressed the issue, saying, “Not a goal against… that’s actually the truth.”

Both teams have seen high-scoring games thus far, with the Maple Leafs netting 13 goals and the Panthers 12 in three matches. Toronto coach Craig Berube noted the importance of getting shots on goal. “You’ve got to get to the net to score goals,” he said, highlighting the chaos around the crease typical in playoff hockey.

The series has seen the home team win every game so far, with the Maple Leafs taking two victories in Toronto and the Panthers claiming Game 3. If Florida can rally to win this series, they would become one of the few defending champions to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the playoffs.

Star player Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs has yet to score in the series, contributing only assists so far. While Berube expressed confidence in Matthews, he acknowledged the need for more production from the talented forward.

Defensively, the Panthers aim to eliminate the rush opportunities that Toronto has exploited so far. Florida defenseman pointed out the need for tighter gaps to prevent the Maple Leafs from scoring on the fast break.

In a notable statistic, Brad Marchand celebrates his 37th birthday on Sunday and will look to continue his five-game point streak that includes two goals and five assists.

As both teams gear up for a crucial Game 4, the focus will be on strong starts and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.