On the heels of only their second playoff series win in the last 21 years, the Leafs barrel into the second round for a high-stakes duel with the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers.
Toronto secured a monumental Game 6 victory over the Senators to win its first-round clash, squashing notions of a possible collapse after racing out to a 3-0 series lead. The resiliency echoed the tone that the Leafs set during the regular season, when they secured 108 points and won the Atlantic Division.
But the playoffs are a different beast, and the Leafs are all too familiar with that fact: They have the longest active streak of consecutive playoff appearances in the NHL (nine), yet just two series wins to show for it.
On the other hand, the Panthers erased the Lightning in five games, an impressive showing against their Sunshine State foe. Eerily, it’s the same way that they began the 2024 playoffs, which ended in them hoisting the Stanley Cup. More importantly, Matthew Tkachuk scored three goals, impressing in his return following nearly a two-month absence with a lower-body injury.
Florida and Toronto have only played once before in the playoffs, with the Panthers winning a second-round series in five games during the 2023 postseason.
Here’s what you need to know about Monday’s matchup between the Leafs and the Panthers, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Leafs vs. Panthers on today?
- TV channel: ESPN (U.S.) | Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports (Canada)
- Live stream: Fubo (U.S.) | Fubo (Canada)
Game 1 of Leafs vs. Panthers will air live in the U.S. on ESPN.
In Canada, Leafs vs. Panthers Game 1 will be broadcast on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports.
Fans looking to stream Leafs vs. Panthers can watch live on Fubo, which will carry every 2025 NHL playoff game broadcast by the ESPN networks.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Leafs vs. Panthers start time
- Date: Monday, May 5
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs series between the Leafs and the Panthers is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
Florida has represented the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the last two playoffs, winning the franchise’s first title last season. They’ve now won eight playoff series in three years, including a five-game defeat of the Leafs in 2023.
Toronto, meanwhile, just won its second playoff series in the last 21 years, though its been to the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons.
Leafs vs. Panthers radio station
Fans can listen to the Leafs vs. Panthers broadcast live on SiriusXM.
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Leafs vs. Panthers series schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | Game 1 at Maple Leafs | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| May 7 | Game 2 at Maple Leafs | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| May 9 | Game 3 at Panthers | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| May 11 | Game 4 at Panthers | 7:30 p.m. | TBS, Sling, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| May 14 | Game 5* at Maple Leafs | TBA | ESPN, Fubo, TVAS |
| May 16 | Game 6* at Panthers | TBA | TNT, Sling, TVAS |
| May 18 | Game 7* at Maple Leafs | TBA | TNT, Sling, TVAS |
* If necessary
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 19 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | June 1-7 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 23 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 27-28 |
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