Florida Panthers face Game 3 test with Aleksander Barkov ready to respond

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 10, 2025, 03:47 IST

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The Florida Panthers are down 2-0 in their playoff series with the Toronto Maple Leafs but are hopeful heading into Game 3 at home. Captain Aleksander Barkov and coach Paul Maurice say the team's morale is good. Florida will adjust lineups for injuries, if any, but Toronto is sticking with its current roster. The Panthers are relying on their playoff experience and home crowd to spark a comeback in this do-or-die game.

Florida Panthers face Game 3 test with Aleksander Barkov ready to respond (Image Source: Getty Images)

The Florida Panthers come home still optimistic after trailing 2-0 in their second-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team is hoping to turn things around with the support of their home crowd in Sunrise, Florida, in Game 3 tonight. Two narrow losses on the road could not discourage the Panthers, who believe their playoff run is far from over.

Aleksander Barkov and Paul Maurice say team spirit is still strong before must-win game

Team captain Aleksander Barkov said on Friday that spirits are high despite the series deficit.

Operation Sindoor

Florida has already instituted some lineup changes. In Game 2, defenseman Aaron Ekblad returned from suspension and Mackie Samoskevich replaced A.J. Greer on the fourth line.

Further changes may be on the way, as head coach Paul Maurice said a few players are game-time decisions due to injury, though he wouldn't name any.

Paul Maurice was more satisfied with the work of his team in Game 2 than in the opening game. "We didn't love our Game 1 but we liked our game here tonight," he said. "So to come out on the road, we lost two one-goal games and we get to go back home now".The Panthers are relying on their home crowd to provide a boost. The team is no stranger to deep playoff runs, as they advanced to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two years. They won their first title last year after a thrilling Game 7 win over Edmonton.

Toronto remains same with Roster while Matthew Knies sees Florida backlash

While Florida is considering lineup changes, Toronto is keeping things the same. The Maple Leafs used identical lineups in Games 1 and 2 and are expected to stick with that group for the seventh straight game.Forward Matthew Knies knows Game 3 will be difficult. “It’s going to be a huge pushback,” Knies said Friday. “It’s going to be the hardest game we’ve played so far. I think we’re up for the challenge”Florida forward Brad Marchand said his team never expected an easy series. “We didn’t expect to roll over them by any means,” he said. “They’re playing really well.” The stage is set for a fierce battle tonight as the Panthers try to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.Also Read: Why Panthers’ Sam Bennett Wasn’t Suspended After Stolarz Hit Incident

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TOI Sports Desk

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