Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson had just two words when asked if he knew how to get under the skin of former teammate Matthew Tkachuk: “We’ll see.” A subtle but telling answer ahead of Toronto’s second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers — a rematch two years in the making.
Game 1 is set for Monday, May 5 at Scotiabank Arena, marking another chapter in a growing rivalry. This time, the Leafs have something new: three former Panthers, including Ekman-Larsson, now wearing blue and white.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson Is Ready for the Panthers
Toronto’s $14 million defenseman is no stranger to playoff intensity. The 33-year-old helped Florida capture its first-ever Stanley Cup last season and already has two goals through the Leafs’ first-round win over Ottawa. But his value in this matchup goes beyond the scoresheet — he brings inside knowledge of a system he once played in and now must help dismantle.
“It’s obviously a different year, new team, but when you have that experience, you’re trying to pass that along to your teammates,” Ekman-Larsson told reporters. “I’ve been trying to help everybody out here.”
Tkachuk will again be a major factor. The physical forward thrives in high-pressure situations and has a reputation for making an impact in the postseason. Ekman-Larsson, who played alongside him last year, acknowledged the challenge.
“He’s an unbelievable player. I think we’re ready for that,” he said.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube agreed, calling Tkachuk “a very intelligent player” and dangerous around the net.
This series is a shot at redemption for Toronto. In 2023, the Panthers knocked them out in five games, just after the Leafs finally broke their first-round curse for the first time since 2004. With added depth and playoff-tested veterans, they believe things could play out differently this time.
Leafs Lean on Inside Intel to Tackle Matthew Tkachuk
Joining Ekman-Larsson in Toronto are forward Steven Lorentz and goalie Anthony Stolarz, both part of Florida’s Cup-winning team last season. All three played key roles and now hope to help Toronto chase a title of its own.
“I’ve had discussions with them,” head coach Berube said. “There are things that you might not know. More mindset stuff for me [can be learned from] those guys being in the locker room and being around the organization.”
All three have contributed this season. Stolarz posted a .926 save percentage and started all six games in the first round. Lorentz matched a career high in points while appearing in 80 games. Ekman-Larsson tallied 29 points with a career-best plus-14 rating.
Still, no one’s getting sentimental.
“There’s that competitive side that, when you’re trying to chase that Cup down, you’re doing whatever you can, whatever it takes. And it doesn’t matter if that’s your buddy that you played with years prior together,” Lorentz said. “You’re going to finish your check. You’re going to play rough. There’s no prisoners in the playoffs when the Cup is on the line.”
The bonds from last year’s championship run may remain, but so does the hunger to win. Whether that familiarity gives Toronto an edge is still unknown, but just like Ekman-Larsson said: “We’ll see.”