Insider Reveals Expected Start Time For Maple Leafs vs. Panthers Game 1

Now with the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs set in the East, it's going to be the Florida Panthers and Maple Leafs squaring off in a rematch of 2023, and with both teams sporting a new look and mindset; it's going to be a very tough series.

But the question remains as to when the teams are going to take the ice for the first game, but according to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, the teams are expected to take the ice when the weekend concludes, with Monday night pegged as the date.

There is not 100% confirmation yet, and there is still a chance the NHL modifies or changes its playoff schedule, and could give the teams an extra day off if they so choose to.

According to other sources, the Florida Panthers' jet is going to be flying to Toronto on Saturday, which gives them a day and a half before playing; pretty standard fare for the playoffs.

It is a good thing the Maple Leafs get that home-ice advantage this time around, as the fans are going to be huge in giving both the home team momentum, but relentlessly boo and jeer the Panthers to throw them off their game.

But Florida had it handled pretty easily against Tampa Bay, and after a wild comeback in Game 5, were able to show everyone why they are serious favorites to repeat as champions.

It might also be the biggest test of Anthony Stolarz's career, as going up against his old team, where he hasn't put up the best numbers. This season he is 1-2-0 with a 3.06 GAA and .886 SV%; those aren't promising numbers heading into the second round, and might see Joseph Woll get a start if he struggles.

We'll have to wait and see how Craig Berube puts his lineup together for a potential Monday night tilt, and both teams are going to look to come out swinging, and expect things to be just as heated as it was in round one.

Time to buckle down boys, the real test starts now.