As the 2025 NHL playoffs loom, the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to make a splash, potentially topping the Atlantic Division. This could be their golden opportunity to push deep into the postseason.
However, the first round remains a familiar stumbling block — they've exited at this stage seven out of the last eight seasons. Let's dive into three possible matchups the Leafs might face as they look to shake off past disappointments.
The Battle of Ontario
If the current standings hold, the Toronto Maple Leafs are on a collision course with the Ottawa Senators in the first round. Leading the Atlantic Division by four points over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Leafs have positioned themselves as the team to beat.
Meanwhile, the Senators seem safely nestled in the Eastern Conference's first wild card spot. There's a scenario where Tampa takes the division, dropping Florida to the wildcard, but Toronto still squares off against Ottawa, potentially as the 2 and 3 seeds.
Despite Ottawa sweeping the regular season series against Toronto, playoff hockey is a different beast entirely. While the challenge is steep, many believe the Leafs have what it takes to edge out the Senators in a grueling six-game series.
Leafs vs. Panthers
I've been noting all season the significance of the Leafs securing the Atlantic to sidestep a first-round clash with the Panthers or Lightning. Yet, the path seems clearer now with the Senators likely overtaking the Panthers for third place in the Atlantic. The Leafs could meet Florida as the 2 and 3 seeds or as division champs against a wildcard.
The Panthers, currently riding a five-game skid, don't quite resemble last year's formidable champions. This rough patch sets the stage for a Leafs-Panthers showdown. Based on their recent face-off, Toronto appears poised to dispatch the Panthers in five games.
Leafs vs. Lightning
Although a Leaf-Lightning series feels like a long shot, it's not entirely off the table. Tampa would need a significant slip to the Wild Card, or one among Toronto, Tampa, and Florida must clinch the division differently than expected. Even Ottawa overtaking Tampa but not Florida, though improbable, keeps the possibility alive.
Regardless of which team Toronto faces, closing the first round swiftly is paramount. Securing a quick series win means extra rest days and preserving player energy — especially critical for goaltenders — as the grueling playoffs march on.
