Florida has now won two straight home games and with a score of 2–2 in the best of seven, the next match in the quarterfinals in Canada is waiting.
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 middle of the game in shot statistics with 21–5.
We started on our heels with many box plays, says William Nylander to journalists after the game.
Toronto had four penalties during the first period. When Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Stanley Cup champion with Florida last year – was in the penalty box, Carter Verhaeghe could score the leading goal.
We spent almost half the game in the penalty box. We have to be more disciplined there, says Matthews.
Florida's goalie Sergej Bobrovskij answered for 23 saves when he kept a zero, but Toronto goalie Joseph Woll was noted for 35 saves.
He made a few really fantastic saves and kept us in the game, says William Nylander.
It wasn't until 12:09 of the third period that Sam Bennett established Florida's victory.
After tonight's 0–2 loss, William Nylander remains at 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 answered 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 on a really high level right now. It's fantastic to have him on your team, says countryman Mikael Granlund.
Tonight's match, the deciding goal came in the third period. At a score of 2–2, Dallas scored three straight goals for a 5–2 win.
Winnipeg–Dallas: 1–2
Vegas–Edmonton: 1–2
Florida–Toronto: 2–2
Washington–Carolina: 1–2
The match series are decided in the best of seven.
