Matthews and Marner Send Clear Message Ahead of High-Stakes Panthers Clash

With Game One taking place Monday night from Scotiabank Arena, the Maple Leafs will look to set the tone early against the Panthers.

Expected to be a hard-hitting and intense battle, it's going to be a true test for Toronto against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.

There are still some questions regarding the starter for the series (though more than likely will still be Anthony Stolarz) and some players need to start to turn it up before Toronto falls too far behind, but this team more than any team in the past is prepared for a deep run.

Their two stars understand how important things are, and while they were absent during yesterday's practice, it's time to get back to business.

The team needs to keep the pedal to the metal against the Panthers and won't have any real opportunities to relax against a team that is meant to make their lives a living hell.

Matthews understands that, and recognized one big name that could cause issues for the Maple Leafs if they aren't careful:

The fact that Florida is underestimating the Maple Leafs ahead of their series is great motivation for a team that is a polar opposite from the one that faced the Panthers in 2023.

There's reliable goaltending, much improved and consistent defense, and a coach not scared to make a decision; it's a different aura.

Toronto does also employ three former Panthers players who won a Cup last year, and could be looking to pick their brains to see how they can get an advantage as well.

One big concern might be the mental state of Mitch Marner, who missed practice on Sunday to deal with the birth of his first child.

A wonderful moment no question, but one has to wonder if he's 100% focused on the task at hand, and it can't be easy to shift gears so quickly.

He seems motivated though, and while he was very relieved that his baby arrived healthy and safely, he also relented that he's happy that his son waited before game day to make his appearance.

Matthews missing yesterday was more of a sign that he just needed an extra day of rest, as he often alludes to.

There's nothing wrong with taking a rest and it's great to see him back in action and ready to make an impact.

The Leafs will need both men to show out on Monday night. They are too important to the fabric of the team, and if they can start to get the ball rolling when it comes to the offense, it turns a very good Maple Leafs team into a great one.

That's a scary proposition for the rest of the opposition.

Combined they only have two goals; they need to be better and a much more impactful offensive presence whilst not sacrificing the defense that's helped the team so much.

But all we can hope for now is that practice is a good indicator that everyone is focused, ready to go, and looking ahead to a Florida team ready to show no mercy.

Toronto's ready to drive right through them though. All gas. No brakes.