Florida has now won two straight home games and with the score 2–2 in best of seven, the next match is waiting in Canada.
We knew it wouldn't be easy. We're meeting the reigning Stanley Cup champions, says Toronto's team captain Auston Matthews.
"Started on our heels"
Florida dominated the first two periods and led a bit into the second intermission in shot statistics with 21–5.
We started on our heels with many box plays, says William Nylander to journalists after the match.
Toronto had four penalties. When Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Stanley Cup champion with Florida last year – was in the penalty box, Carter Verhaeghe could score the leading goal.
We practically half the match in the penalty box. We have to be more disciplined there, says Matthews.
Florida's goalkeeper Sergej Bobrovskij responded with 23 saves when he kept the zero, but Toronto goalkeeper Joseph Woll was credited with 35 saves.
He made a couple of really fantastic saves and kept us in the match, says William Nylander.
It wasn't until 12:09 of the third period that Sam Bennett confirmed Florida's win to 2–0>.
After tonight's 0–2 loss, William Nylander remains on 15 points (6 goals-9 assists) and is fourth in the playoff scoring league.
Rantanen leads the scoring league
The league is topped by Finnish player Mikko Rantanen, who continues to pour in points for his Dallas. When the Texas club via 5–2 at home against Winnipeg took the lead in the quarterfinal series with 2–1, Rantanen responded for a goal and two assists. He is up to 18 points, including nine goals, in ten playoff matches.
He's a fantastic player and he's playing at a really high level right now. It's fantastic to have him on your team, says countryman Mikael Granlund.
Tonight's match, the deciding factor came in the third period. At the score 2–2, Dallas scored three straight goals for a win with 5–2.
Winnipeg–Dallas: 1–2
Vegas–Edmonton: 1–2
Florida–Toronto: 2–2
Washington–Carolina: 1–2
The match series are decided in best of seven.
