Beyond Center Ice

 The Panthers completed one of the most shocking upsets in NHL History, not matched since 2019 when another record breaking team was eliminated. But, their story is not done. They have a chance to shock the world again with another upset victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, who finally made it out of the first round for the first time since 2004.  After the Panthers defeated the Bruins, I, like many others, was at a loss for words. They were down 3-1, but they played with fire, with a desperation I haven't seen any other elimination facing team play with. They fought hard in each and every moment, buried their chances in game 5 and especially game 6, and then stunned the world in the OT of Game 7. But, with all of this, they weren't even being outplayed in this series. They were the better team on xG%, and the margin was even higher on G%. They deserved to move on, the Bruins did not. Matthew Tkachuk was the hero of the series, with 11 points in the 7 games, and being a force...

 THE PLAYOFFS ARE HEREEEEEEEE! Here at Beyond Center Ice, we will be looking at every single playoff series to preview it, and review it when each series is done. Our first series will be one that has been decided for a while: the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning.  Last season, we got this matchup too. The Tampa Bay Lightning came back down 3-2 in the series and won in 7 in their eventual run to a Stanley Cup Finals appearance for their 3rd straight season. As for their Leafs, as you likely know, they have lost in the first round for 7 straight seasons and haven't made it to Round 2 or farther since 2004. For the Leafs, this is do or die. Let's take a look at some key stats/players from each team and then reach a verdict on who will be the winner and in how many games it will take.  The Maple Leafs finished the season 50-21-11, tallying 111 points and finishing 4th in the entire NHL. They were expected to be in the playoffs from the start, and they delivered wit...