Matthews pushed it to 3-0 at 4:01. Knies cut through the slot and fought off Niko Mikkola before swinging a pass back to the Maple Leafs captain, who shot past Bobrovsky’s right pad from the slot. The goal extended Matthews’ point streak to five games (seven goals, four assists).

Matthew Knies scored a goal and set up Auston Matthews to push the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 4-1 win against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday night

Panthers coach Paul Maurice revealed the reason for Marchand’s early exit during his postgame media availability, admitting the exit went beyond that single hit. According to Maurice, Marchand had already been “dealing with something” previously unreported heading into the matchup.

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers after Auston Matthews' two-goal game against the New York Islanders in the Maple Leafs' 4-3 overtime loss

The Panthers currently sit fourth in the Atlantic Division, one point back of the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Leafs enter Tuesday last in the division, two points back of Florida. Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Florida Panthers star winger Brad Marchand is an expert at getting under the skin of Toronto Maple Leafs fans, while at the same time making them wish he were on their side.

Auston Matthews is red-hot, and my Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions expect the Toronto captain to net another goal. Find out why in my free NHL picks for this January 6 matchup.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has spent most of the 2025–26 NHL season under intense scrutiny, with every scoring drought or hot streak .

In the offseason, the Florida Panthers re-signed Brad Marchand to a six year deal, but Marchand nearly was a member of the Maple Leafs.