NHL releases date for game 1 of Panthers and winner of Leafs vs Bruins

Now, here's the kicker – if the Leafs and Bruins duke it out until Game 7 on Saturday at TD Garden, that's a pretty tight turnaround for whoever comes out on top. That's the consequence of going the distance, though. Either way, it'll be a rematch from last year. The Panthers rallied from a 3-1 deficit to stun the President's Trophy-winning and record-setting Bruins in round one and then defeated the Leafs in five in round 2.

Now, let's talk about the Panthers. They've been chilling since Monday after taking care of business against the Tampa Bay Lightning in just five games.

So, while the Leafs and Bruins are battling it out, the Cats have had some extra time to rest and prepare for the next round. That will help, mainly because the reigning Eastern Conference champions and Atlantic Division winners have home ice in this series.

Let's see if that extra rest gives them an edge when they hit the ice on Monday, or will the Leafs-Bruins, who will be so on point with their game, surprise them?