Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart scored goals just 10 seconds apart in the middle of the second period, leading the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
With this win and Boston’s loss, Florida secured the Atlantic Division championship. They ended the season with a four-game winning streak, making up a five-point difference in the standings.
“It’s been quite a year,” said Panthers player Matthew Tkachuk. “Both us and Boston were leading the division at different points throughout the season. Having home-ice advantage shows our solid performance this season, and it’s great to have something to show for it.”
Carter Verhaeghe and Brandon Montour also scored for Florida, while Anthony Stolarz made 24 saves.
The Panthers will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs’ opening round.
“It’s exciting to face our rivals,” Bennett added. “The fans will love it, and I’m looking forward to it.” John Tavares and Noah Gregor scored for the Maple Leafs, with Joseph Woll making 37 saves.
Toronto is locked into the third seed in the Atlantic Division and will play against Boston in the playoffs’ first round.
“It’ll be a tough challenge,” Tavares admitted. “Playing in this rivalry is special due to its Original Six history. It’s a great opportunity for us, and we need to be ready.”
Maple Leafs’ star Auston Matthews remains at 69 goals for the season. He’ll have one more chance to reach 70 goals in a season when they play the Lightning on Wednesday night.
Coach Sheldon Keefe hasn’t decided whether Matthews will play or rest ahead of the playoffs.
