The Florida Panthers, fresh off hoisting the Stanley Cup last season, clawed their way to a gritty shootout win against the Buffalo Sabres. It’s the kind of win that should have Florida feeling unstoppable, especially after a rough patch where they dropped five straight games. Sounds like a reason to celebrate, right? Not so fast. Despite that 3-2 victory, marking their third straight win, an NHL expert has dropped a reality check that’s got Panthers fans sweating as the playoffs loom.

The Panthers edged out the Sabres in a nail-biter, with Anton Lundell stepping up with the sole goal in the shootout to secure the two points. But NHL insider Howard Berger took to X to throw cold water on the party. He wrote, “Even though the #Panthers won today over the #Sabres in a shootout, the #Leafs can finish ahead of #Florida in the Atlantic by defeating the #Canadiens tonight. 0-0 early in the 3rd at Scotiabank Arena.” Ouch. That one stung.

The Florida Panthers are sitting at 98 points, good for third in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are perched atop the division with 102 points after edging the Canadiens 1-0 on Saturday. Yup, Berger’s prophecy came true, thanks to

Mitch Marner‘s goal of a William Nylander assist. The Tampa Bay Lightning are also tied with Florida with one game in hand, making the Atlantic a pressure cooker with just a few games left.

So, what’s the ‘sad truth’ Berger’s hinting at? It’s not just about points—it’s about momentum and matchups. The Panthers, despite their championship pedigree, are limping into the postseason with injury woes and inconsistent play.

Aleksander Barkov’s been in and out with an upper-body issue, Matthew Tkachuk’s sidelined, and Aaron Ekblad’s serving a suspension. And if the standings hold, they are looking at a match-up against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have been far more formidable this season than potential wild card entry, the Ottawa Senators.

Don’t get me wrong—the Panthers aren’t done. Their depth showed against Buffalo, with guys like Lundell stepping up. But Berger’s warning rings true: a third-place finish means a tougher road to defend their title. Can Florida flip the script? They’ve got three games left to prove it, starting with a clash against Ottawa. Buckle up, Panthers fans—it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Florida Panthers can face Toronto Maple Leafs again in Playoffs 1st round

The Florida Panthers are poised for a potential face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, a matchup that carries significant weight given their recent postseason history. The clash would, of course, materialize depending on the final standings in the Atlantic Division, where both teams are jockeying for position. The Panthers, fresh off their 2023 Stanley Cup Final run and a cup-winning 2024 campaign, are a formidable force, while the Maple Leafs remain a high-octane offensive team desperate to break through their playoff ceiling.

This wouldn’t be the first time these teams have met in the postseason. In 2023, the Panthers upset the Maple Leafs in the second round, winning 4-1 in a series that showcased Florida’s depth, physicality, and goaltending prowess. Toronto’s star-heavy lineup, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, struggled to match Florida’s relentless forecheck and defensive structure. That loss lingered in Toronto, fueling their drive for redemption, while the Panthers gained confidence en route to the Cup Final.

In 2025, both teams bring distinct strengths. The Panthers, with Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk leading the charge, boast a balanced attack and a battle-tested core. Sergei Bobrovsky remains a wildcard in net—capable of stealing games when at his best. Toronto, meanwhile, leans on its offensive firepower, with William Nylander sitting on 44 goals. Yet, questions persist about the Leafs’ defensive reliability and goaltending, areas where Florida holds an edge.