The Florida Panthers delivered a resounding 6-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in a dramatic Game 7 showdown, securing their place in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their win wasn’t just about on-ice dominance; it was also a masterclass in post-game social media trolling.
The Panthers’ offensive explosion saw six different players find the back of the net, with three goals in both the second and third periods. This decisive win sent shockwaves through the hockey world and provided ample ammunition for some playful ribbing.
Immediately following the game, the Panthers social media team unleashed a series of witty posts targeting both the Leafs and their high-profile fan, Justin Bieber. One graphic depicted a panther playfully licking maple syrup spilling from a bottle bearing the Maple Leafs logo – a clever nod to Toronto’s nickname, “The Six.”
Adding fuel to the fire, the Panthers also trolled Bieber himself. After the Leafs’ Game 6 win, Bieber posted an Instagram picture of Auston Matthews with the caption, “My captain Gets It Done game 7.” The Panthers swiftly responded with a similar image, but this time featuring Brad Marchand, replacing “My Captain” with Marchand’s name.
Marchand himself had a stellar performance, contributing two assists and an empty-net goal to seal the victory. This win marked his fifth Game 7 victory against the Maple Leafs, making him the first player in NHL history to defeat a single franchise in at least five winner-take-all games, a truly remarkable achievement.
With their dominant performance and even more dominant social media strategy, the Panthers are now set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals. The stakes are high, and the series promises to be an exciting clash. Game 1 is set for Tuesday, and the hockey world will be watching to see if the Panthers can continue their impressive playoff run.
