Toronto scores early and Florida controls like, just like the first period. The difference this time: Florida puts in three goals to take the lead. The Panthers led in shots, 9-4, and had another 20-plus hits in the period. The Maple Leafs led after two periods in the first two games of the series

The Toronto Maple Leafs take the ice for the biggest game of their season Wednesday night, with a chance to push the Florida Panthers to the brink of elimination in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Steve Dangle, a popular Maple Leafs analyst and podcaster, believes the team could be battling a widespread illness. Dangle explained his theory while speaking after Toronto’s 2-0 Game 4 loss. The analyst believes and is convinced that something must be affecting players behind the scenes.

Toronto and Florida are tied at 2-2 in the Stanley Cup playoff series. Follow the Star’s live updates on Wednesday. Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll during an optional practice at the Ford Performance Centre in Toronto on Tuesday.

Game 3 against a Panthers team looking to get back in the series presents one of the Leafs' biggest challenges of the season.

Evan Rodrigues sustained the injury about five minutes into the third period when he took a high net near the boards from Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson away from the puck.

I don't think it should be thought of that the Toronto Maple Leafs 'gave' the Florida Panthers life in this series after losing Games 3 and 4, regardless of the fact that they held a 2-0 series lead to start things off.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is in no hurry to break up the Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner pairing.