The Toronto Maple Leafs came agonizingly close to securing a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers on Friday evening. However, a very familiar adversary ultimately thwarted their aspirations for Game 3.
Brad Marchand brought the crucial contest in Sunrise, Florida, to a close at 15:27 of overtime. His shot deflected past Toronto netminder Joseph Woll and into the net.
His decisive goal sealed a resilient performance by the Panthers, who clawed back from deficits of 2-0 and 3-1 to avoid the dire situation of facing a potential second-round sweep heading into Sunday`s Game 4. According to the NHL, this marked only the 11th instance in the past 40 years where a team achieved a multi-goal comeback to prevent trailing a series 3-0.
As is widely known, Marchand has a long history with the Maple Leafs and is notorious for causing them considerable grief. Including Friday`s overtime winner, the 36-year-old forward has amassed 33 career playoff points against Toronto. This places him third all-time, just two points behind the second position.
Marchand joined the reigning champions through a trade-deadline acquisition. It`s evident that the Panthers` move to acquire the former Stanley Cup champion for the relatively low cost of a conditional second-round draft pick has paid off exactly as they hoped. He has maintained a point-per-game average throughout the 2025 playoffs and now boasts four points in the first three games of this series against Toronto.
Here is a look at some of the notable reactions to Marchand`s Game 3 winner, which undoubtedly stirred emotions among Leafs supporters everywhere.
Tristan Blackwood