William Nylander provided the Toronto Maple Leafs with a dynamic start in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The talented winger netted two goals in the opening period and later added an assist. Toronto established a significant early lead but ultimately had to withstand a late surge from the Florida Panthers to secure a 5-4 win and take a 1-0 lead in the series on Monday night.
Matthew Knies scored the crucial game-winning goal. Chris Tanev also contributed a goal and an assist, while Morgan Rielly chipped in with another goal, completing the scoring for the Leafs. Starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz made eight saves before being forced to leave the game in the second period due to an undisclosed injury.
Joseph Woll entered the game in relief and stopped 17 shots. For the Panthers, Max Pacioretty and Jake McCabe each tallied two assists in the opening contest of this best-of-seven series.