Panthers Pounce on Leafs in Game 5, Take 3-2 Series Lead

The Florida Panthers are one win away from punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final — and they did it with a statement win in enemy territory.

Led by another stellar performance from Sergei Bobrovsky and a goal-scoring outburst from the unlikeliest of sources, the Panthers dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 5 to seize a 3-2 series lead. Now, with the series shifting back to Sunrise, Florida has a golden opportunity to close things out on home ice.

Bobrovsky’s shutout streak may have ended with just 1:06 remaining, but by that point, the damage was already done. The veteran goaltender turned away 32 shots and had gone more than 143 minutes without allowing a goal — dating back to late in Game 3. His poise and consistency have become the backbone of a Florida squad that’s finding its identity at the perfect time.

“We’re definitely happy with where we’re at, but we’re also humbled and focused,” Bobrovsky said postgame. “We just have to focus on the next shift, the next moment, and get ready.”

The scoring started with Aaron Ekblad, who broke the ice late in the first period with a wrister off a Sam Reinhart feed. From there, Florida’s depth took over. Dmitry Kulikov, Jesper Boqvist, Niko Mikkola, A.J. Greer, and Sam Bennett all found the back of the net, proving once again that this team doesn’t need a superstar performance to blow the doors off.

In fact, Boqvist’s emergence might be one of the biggest storylines of the night. Filling in for the injured Evan Rodrigues, Boqvist not only scored his first goal since January but also added an assist. His speed and tenacity on the forecheck helped ignite the Panthers’ early pressure, and his confidence grew with every shift.

“He’s just got so much speed and he battles out there,” said Reinhart. “Any time you can get those legs, especially in a tight-checking series like this, it’s going to be a positive. He stepped in, was very comfortable and he made some big plays to help us tonight.”

Florida’s relentless depth has been its secret weapon this postseason. With 17 different goal scorers so far, the Panthers have shattered franchise records and proven that they’re a true four-line team. Game 5 was a shining example: three goals from defensemen, all four lines contributing, and none of the usual headliners needing to carry the load.

“They don’t get on the magazines,” coach Paul Maurice said of the depth contributors. “It’s special when those guys score.”

Defensively, the Panthers put on a clinic. Toronto’s rush-heavy attack was stifled all night. Florida held the Leafs to just one shot off the rush and only eight high-danger chances. The Panthers’ defensive structure, particularly their ability to close gaps and neutralize space in transition, completely tilted the ice.

“I think they did a great job,” Bobrovsky said of the skaters in front of him. “They played a hard gap game. Very simple, struck hard as a unit — all five guys. So, this was a good one.”

As the series returns to South Florida, the Panthers know the mission isn’t over. They’ve put the Maple Leafs on the ropes — now they just have to deliver the knockout punch.

“At the end of the day, the job’s not done,” Ekblad said. “There’s still a lot of work to do — to go home, recover, and have our best game at home in Game 6.”

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