Auston Matthews turned a potentially devastating moment into one of the most heroic performances of his career Friday night as the Toronto Maple Leafs forced a Game 7 with a gritty 2-0 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Second Round.
Midway through the second period, Matthews was struck in the eye by Florida captain Aleksander Barkov’s stick, which slipped under his face shield. Temporarily unable to see and clearly shaken, he was rushed to the locker room by trainers — a worrying sight with Toronto’s season hanging in the balance.
What began as a possible nightmare quickly became a defining moment. Matthews returned to the ice with his vision restored and delivered the game-winning goal early in the third period, breaking a personal playoff drought and silencing his critics. The goal — his first ever against the Panthers in 11 postseason games — gave the Leafs a 1-0 lead with 13:40 remaining.
That goal not only swung the game in Toronto’s favor but also redeemed Matthews after fans had turned on him during the team’s embarrassing 6-1 Game 5 loss at home. Boos echoed through Scotiabank Arena, and one fan even tossed a Matthews jersey onto the ice in frustration.
But the Leafs’ captain answered back in style.
“It was scary,” Matthews admitted postgame, sporting a welt under his eye. “But I was lucky enough to get my vision back and rejoin the game. That goal meant a lot.”
He wasn’t alone in stepping up.
Veteran Max Pacioretty doubled the lead with an insurance goal — his eighth in 16 career elimination games — and praised Matthews’ clutch performance. “An unbelievable shot from an unbelievable player. That’s why he’s our captain,” said Pacioretty.
Mitch Marner, who set up Matthews’ goal, also shined despite ongoing questions about his uncertain future as a free agent this summer. Matthew Knies played through pain after a heavy hit in the first period, and goaltender Joseph Woll was outstanding, making 22 saves to earn his first playoff shutout.
Now the series shifts back to Toronto for a winner-takes-all Game 7 on Sunday. Though the Maple Leafs carry the burden of six consecutive Game 7 losses, head coach Craig Berube brings a confident edge, recalling his own Game 7 success with the St. Louis Blues in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final.
“They’re fun,” Berube said with a grin, showing no sign of worry about the franchise’s past Game 7 demons.
If Matthews and Marner can continue to deliver at this level, Toronto might finally write a new chapter.
