Toronto – The Florida Panthers are no strangers to adversity.
After all, before they became Stanley Cup champions, they were comeback cats.
In 2023, the Panthers pulled out one of the biggest disruptions in playoff history when they returned from a difficult 3-1 series deficit to beat the Boston Bruins in Round 1.
Most recently, they returned from a 2-1 series deficit with the New York Rangers at last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
Currently, they are staring at the 2-0 series deficit for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the Eastern Conference. The Panthers plan to head home for games 3 and 4 at Amerant Bank Arena on Friday and Sunday.
Forward Sam Reinhart said Thursday before the team boarded a flight to Fort Lauderdale. “When you look at the playoffs, whether you win or get lost that day, it’s just as important as ever. Whatever happens the night or a few nights ago, the way you spend today remains the same.
After failing to delve into how to get out of the early deficits in Game 1, the Panthers were much happier with what they looked like in Game 2 despite not getting the final result.
Even with Maple Leaf coming to the top with a 4-3 score, the Panthers finished with a biased advantage (31-11) in shot attempts (64-33) and a biased advantage in 5-5 goals (3.23-1.11) so they felt they had a chance to swing things around in favor.
If they can find a way to win Game 3, I’m sure they can continue to build it.
“You can win one game or lose one game. “Many success in the playoffs is how you control your losses and how you learn from it. Some tight games and we’re sitting there and seeing what we can do better.”
Historically, the Panthers have also enjoyed playing in their barns.
In addition to posting a 15-9 record in the Sunrise playoffs since 2022, they went 27-12-2 at Amerant Bank Arena during the 2024-25 regular season, including 2-0 against Toronto.
Anything is possible when the house crowd is behind them.
“It was certainly a good home team this year,” coach Paul Maurice said. “You get positive and good feedback on the good things you do.”
If the Panthers are looking for external inspiration, they will just watch round one of the playoffs this year.
The waves were bounced at the Western Conference, with both the Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers digging out of the 2-0 series deficit and moving on to round two.
In NHL history, 57 teams returned from a 2-0 deficit and won the series.
If any team can become number 58, that’s the Panthers.
“It’s about refocusing, getting better and getting ready for tomorrow,” Reinhardt said.
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