from Luke Fox of Sportsnet,
From wrestling a grizzly to racing a cheetah.
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves dealing with a unique type of wild animal in Round 2. And the fresh challenge it brings will require quicker execution and an altered plan of attack.
So, while the Florida Panthers do share similarities with the now-vacationing Tampa Bay Lightning — no state tax, a famous and well-compensated Russian goaltender, a head coach gunning for the NHL lead in quotes-per-60 — they’re also a different kind of cat.
And the Panthers’ particular brand of hockey was on full display Tuesday in their blazing 4-2 road win over the Maple Leafs to draw first blood in Round 2.
“That will be the battle of this series, right? Both teams have something they’re really good at,” said Florida coach Paul Maurice, soaking up all the time and space at the winners’ podium that was nowhere to be found between whistles.
“You can expect a certain amount of forecheck and physicality from us. You’ll expect a certain amount of speed and skill from them, for sure. And then one team will feed the other.
“The team that brings the least amount of food to the game wins.”
The us-against-world Panthers stormed in hungry, unsatiated by feasting on the 65-win juggernaut Boston Bruins on their own turf less than 48 hours prior.
Game highlights are below.
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