Maple Leafs Collapse in Game 5 Blowout as Panthers Push Toronto to Brink of Elimination

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, leaving them one loss away from playoff elimination. Toronto’s offense continued its alarming disappearance, failing to score until the final two minutes of the game and extending a scoring drought that started back in Game 4. Despite entering the series with a 2-0 lead, the Leafs now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and must win consecutive games to stay alive.

Leafs’ Star Players Silent as Panthers Capitalize on Turnovers and Defensive Breakdowns

Toronto’s core stars — Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander — have been ineffective throughout the second round. None of them have scored, and Matthews, in particular, has only three goals over the past 21 games. He acknowledged the need for self-reflection, stating, “Everybody’s got to look in the mirror.” Coach Craig Berube and the players alike emphasized accountability, but their words were not matched by on-ice execution in Game 5.

Florida set the tone early, outskating and outworking Toronto in the opening period, culminating in a goal by Aaron Ekblad. The second period proved disastrous for Toronto as a string of self-inflicted mistakes led to three more Panthers goals, including one off a Leafs player’s stick and another following a turnover by Marner. Florida’s defense contributed heavily to the offensive push, with goals from three blue-liners, including Niko Mikkola, by the end of the second period.

Leafs Collapse Further as Fans Erupt, Goalie Switched, and Offense Remains Lifeless

As Toronto fell deeper into the deficit, fan frustration boiled over. Booing and debris thrown onto the ice — including a Matthews jersey — marked the end of the second period. A fifth goal early in the third by A.J. Greer prompted a goalie change, with Joseph Woll being replaced by Matt Murray. Woll had allowed five goals on 25 shots for a save percentage of just .800. The Panthers weren’t finished, as Sam Bennett scored a power-play goal to cap off the 6-0 lead before Toronto’s lone goal late in the third.

Despite attempts to spark the lineup with new players and line changes, nothing Coach Berube tried had an impact. Toronto hadn’t scored since late in Game 3 until Nicholas Robertson found the net in garbage time. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky has rebounded with stellar goaltending after a shaky start to the series, frustrating Toronto’s offense at every turn. With Game 6 looming Friday in Florida, the Leafs are left to regroup and find answers fast, or face another early playoff exit.