With one of their better games of the playoffs, the Maple Leafs stormed to an early lead in Game 1 and held on late, beating the reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers 5-4.
Through the first two periods, the Leafs looked and acted like the aggressors against an opponent that was thought to be the nastier and more physical team coming into Game 1. Two goals from William Nylander and goals from Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev and an electric breakaway goal from Matthew Knies were the difference against a Panthers team that waited until the third period to turn it on.
Eetu Luostarinen, Uvis Balinskis and Sam Bennett scored in the third as Florida twice cut its deficit to one goal, but Toronto was able to see out the win.