Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Keys Versus the Florida Panthers

Jan 26, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) gets tangles up with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Martin Marincin (52) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to host the Florida Panthers, we consider three factors which could decide the outcome at the Air Canada Centre.

Don’t look now, but the Toronto Maple Leafs are on a bit of a roll. The impressive 4-1 win over the high-flying Tampa Bay Lightning, gives them a 3-1-1 record in their last five games.

In the process, Toronto is edging closer to the teams above them, so it will be interesting to see where they are, come the end of the current six-game home stand. Next on the schedule are the Panthers, who have designs on second spot in the East.

This will be the second of four encounters between the sides this season, with Florida taking the first game 5-1. We look at three factors, which will help determine who comes out on the winning side this time.