Anthony Stolarz, the goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, brings a unique intensity to his position that teammates describe as vocal and commanding when on the ice. As a Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, Stolarz has transitioned into a starting role, achieving a career-high 17 wins this season. His play has been marked by a .920 save percentage, making him one of the top goalies in the league. The competition for the starting position in the playoffs is heating up, with Stolarz and fellow goalie Joseph Woll both having strong performances. With seven games left in the season, the decision as to who will start in Game 1 of the playoffs remains uncertain, embodying the competitive spirit that defines the Maple Leafs’ goaltending duo.

John Tavares is poised to secure a three-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, likely between $6 million and $7 million per season. This consensus follows discussions throughout the season indicating both Tavares and the Leafs have a mutual desire to continue their relationship. Meanwhile, Mitch Marner's impending contract situation could yield a hefty price tag, potentially matching Auston Matthews' $13.5 million AAV. Marner's camp is reportedly preparing for offers exceeding this figure from various teams, making him the most sought-after player this offseason.

As Alex Ovechkin approaches Wayne Gretzky's seemingly unbreakable all-time goals record, the question of who might succeed him as the NHL's next great goal-scorer arises. Four prominent names surface in this debate due to their impressive scoring capabilities and potential longevity in the league.

Auston Matthews, at just 27, has netted 397 goals in 622 games, consistently scoring at least 34 goals per season. If he maintains this pace, he could reach 800 goals. Connor McDavid, while an elite playmaker with 361 goals in 708 games, may struggle to reach the record unless he significantly boosts his goal tally as he ages. Leon Draisaitl, with 399 goals in 789 games and a history of 50+ goal seasons, emerges as a dark horse. Meanwhile, David Pastrnak, with 385 goals in 749 games, would need to replicate his 61-goal season more frequently to stay in contention.

In a thrilling matchup at Scotiabank Arena, the Toronto Maple Leafs edged out the Florida Panthers 3-2, solidifying their playoff berth and extending their lead in the Atlantic Division. John Tavares led the charge with a key second-period goal, while Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies contributed crucial third-period strikes to secure the victory. Despite missing several key players, including captain Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers put up a tough fight, proving that games between these two rivals are never easy. Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz showcased his skills, stopping 26 of 28 shots against former teammate Sergei Bobrovsky, highlighting the intensity of this potential playoff preview.

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a pivotal 3-2 victory against the Florida Panthers, extending their lead in the Atlantic Division and clinching a playoff berth for the ninth consecutive season. Matthew Knies scored his career-high 25th goal, while John Tavares netted his 36th, marking 10 goals in his last 11 games. The game was described as a playoff atmosphere, with high energy and strong defensive plays from both sides. Despite some close calls, Toronto's Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner contributed crucial goals, ensuring the Leafs maintained their position at the top of the standings.