On Sunday, Leafs captain Auston Matthews spoke to the media ahead of Game 1 and insisted that this group is different and ready to go against the Panthers. “We’re a prepared group, we’re ready to go,” Matthews said. “We know the challenge that lies ahead, and it's just taking it one step at a time.”

The 26-year-old entered Monday’s opener midway through the second period after starter Anthony Stolarz took an elbow to the head from Sam Bennett.

Max Pacioretty scored a tiebreaking goal with less than six minutes remaining in the third period, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a series-clinching 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night in Game 6 of the first-round matchup.