Paul Bissonnette didn’t waste time making his feelings known after the Toronto Maple Leafs secured a narrow 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.
Paul Bissonnette Sounds Off on Panthers in Fiery Rant
The former NHL enforcer and current analyst ripped into Florida’s style of play, calling it reckless and cheap. His harshest criticism was reserved for Panthers forward Sam Bennett, whose hit reportedly injured Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz and stirred immediate backlash.
“We knew they were going to be f****** scum bags the entire time,” Bissonnette said in a video posted to X. “You try to take out our starting goalie? And then go after [Joseph] Woll? He didn’t have his best night, but in relief after that nonsense from Sam Bennett. You guys are f****** scumbags.” “
The Panthers’ aggressive style was clearly not well received by the Leafs’ bench or their fans. Stolarz left the game following the hit from Bennett, and though Woll came in as relief, the physical tone of the game overshadowed the goalie swap.
Bissonnette Unfiltered After Leafs-Panthers Clash
Bissonnette used his platform not only to defend the Leafs but to stir the pot ahead of Game 2. His message? Florida may have won the mind games last year, but this time, Toronto is ready.
He highlighted William Nylander’s two-goal performance and praised the team’s core, calling out what he described as a gutsy effort from a group that had clearly had enough of being pushed around.
“Willy Styles — you were buzzing, and so was the rest of the core five. I’m proud of you guys,” Bissonnette said.
His rant didn’t end with Bennett. Bissonnette also took aim at Brad Marchand, who joined the Panthers in a high-profile move. Despite Marchand logging over 15 minutes of ice time and notching two assists, Bissonnette was unimpressed.
“Marchand — were you even playing tonight? Didn’t really notice you,” he quipped.
The animosity between the two teams — and between Bissonnette and several Panthers players — has only added fuel to an already fiery playoff series.
In the days leading up to the game, Bissonnette had already made headlines on his “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast. He referred to the Panthers as “Goliath” and claimed the Leafs had “unfinished business” after being knocked out by Florida in five games during the 2023 postseason.
His message to Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett was clear and direct: the Leafs are coming for revenge.
“Hi, Matthew! We just took down your brother Brady, and now we’re coming for you.”
As for Marchand, Bissonnette didn’t hold back, calling him his “arch [expletive] nemesis” and warning that this time, the result would be different.
The Leafs will try to carry their momentum into Game 2 on Wednesday, May 7, at Scotiabank Arena. With the series heating up fast, one thing is clear — Bissonnette is making sure no one forgets what’s at stake.