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SUNRISE, FLORIDA – MAY 09: Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with Aleksander … More Barkov #16 and Carter Verhaeghe #23 after scoring the game winning goal against Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime to win Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) Getty Images After dropping two consecutive playoff games in South Florida, the Toronto Maple Leafs are threatening to collapse once again. They looked strong, determined, seasoned and clutch in winning the first two games of the series in Toronto. The Maple Leafs had the opportunity to put a stranglehold on the series in Game 3, and the Leafs built a 3-1 lead early in the second period. However, they needed a Morgan Rielly goal midway through the third period to push the game to overtime, and that’s when disaster struck. Long-time nemesis Brad Marchand scored the winner for the Panthers on a twisted wrister that banked off Rielly before zipping past goalie Joseph Woll. That’s the same Marchand that has tormented the Maple Leafs in four previous series with the Boston Bruins. The Panthers’ newest hero has fit in brilliantly with a group that he battled feverishly in consecutive losing playoff series. Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe explained what Marchand brings to the team. “He brings so much life to our team,” Verhaeghe said. “He’s so energetic. And obviously you see what he does on the ice. He’s such a great player and has been around for so long. He’s a player, a performer, and he scores big goals at big moments. He’s done it all, won a Stanley Cup. He brings so much life and energy to our group.” While a bad bounce – literally – cost the Leafs in Game…

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Filed under: News - @ May 12, 2025 7:23 pm