TORONTO — The Florida Panthers have cultivated a winning philosophy for navigating challenging playoff series, a strategy that has proven highly effective given their success in eight of their last nine matchups.
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have adopted this winning mindset, similar to how they acquired key players like Anthony Stolarz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Steven Lorentz who were recently part of a championship run.
Their approach: before Game 1 even starts, operate under the assumption that the series will extend to seven games.
This simple thought exercise is remarkably effective.
It helps players mentally prepare for the inevitable ups and downs of a potentially long, intense series.
For instance, when the Panthers faced a 1-3 deficit against the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins in 2023, this philosophy prepared them for the comeback. And even when they squandered a dominant 3-0 lead against the 2024 Edmonton Oilers, they could view it as simply leading to a decisive `best-of-one` scenario, ready to secure their first-ever Stanley Cup.
Similarly, for the Maple Leafs, who feel notably different this year, this mindset prevents panic when a 3-0 lead against the Ottawa Senators shrinks to 3-2. They handle the next game calmly, fortified by the belief they were always preparing for a prolonged series.
When they followed that by a frustrating Game 5 loss at home in the next round, turning a 2-0 series lead into a 2-3 deficit, the `destined for seven` idea prevented collapse. They traveled to Florida for Game 6, ready to make that self-fulfilling prophecy a reality.
However, the `Game 7 Theory` is more than just a psychological trick.
It`s also a practical, tactical approach.
While it`s impossible to perfectly replicate the intensity of a winner-take-all Game 7 during the regular season or even earlier playoff games, experienced coaches like Paul Maurice (an impressive 5-0 record in Game 7s, including a Stanley Cup Final) and Craig Berube (2-1, including his own Cup win) build a Game 7-ready system and team identity starting in training camp.
This system emphasizes direct play, minimizing risks, relentless forechecking, cohesive five-man defensive structure, discipline, and physicality.
The goal is to wear down the opponent.
The tight-checking nature seen in Game 6, where high-danger scoring chances in the slot were limited (Toronto edged Florida 5-3), is likely to persist.
After Game 6, a coach shouldn`t introduce entirely new strategies or overanalyze the situation. By this point, the Game 7 mindset and playing style should be deeply ingrained in the players.
“The Game 7 idea is something we discuss before every series,” Maurice told reporters in Fort Lauderdale Saturday. “We even talk about it during the regular season. The style of play that leads to a Game 7 is the level we aim for.”
“You want to have discussed your game throughout the year so that everyone fully grasps the style we intend to play.”
Wait. Does this mean you actually want the series to go to seven games?
Maurice clarified, “No. That would be a lie.”
He added, “But what we want and what we prepare for are two different things.”
“You absolutely want to win in four,” Maurice continued. “One hundred percent. But Game 7s are unforgettable. They`re rare, and they get more intense the deeper you go into the playoffs.”
“There’s a unique freedom in Game 7s,” he observed. “Players on both teams are dealing with issues, physical ailments. But they tell themselves, `I just need to play one more game.` If there`s another game after that, they`ll handle it then. But in that moment, during warmup, whatever physical discomfort they have becomes mentally manageable. Everyone gives their all, and everyone plays hard.”
(This aligns with the expectation that both Toronto`s Matthew Knies and Florida`s Evan Rodrigues will likely play, pushing through any pain. Berube didn`t provide an update on Knies` condition Saturday, but the player is too crucial to be sidelined if he`s capable of playing.)
Tristan Blackwood