A new nickname is being dubbed for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty: Mr. Game 6.
After scoring the series-clinching goal in Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators in the first round, the veteran forward provided another massive goal on Friday for the Toronto Maple Leafs in an all-or-nothing Game 6 against the Florida Panthers.
Bobby McMann sprang down the wing in the third period, finding Pacioretty in front of the net. It was already a 1-0 game with captain Auston Matthews scoring his first goal of the series, but another goal would force a Game 7 at home in Toronto.
Pacioretty smacked the puck on the backhand, beating Sergei Bobrovsky for his third goal of the playoffs. After slotting it under the right arm of the Panthers’ goaltender, the 36-year-old let out a thunderous, “Yeah baby!”
It was yet another moment where the Pacioretty signing paid off for the Maple Leafs.
“It’s big time,” McMann, who registered his first point since Game 1 against Ottawa, said on Friday night.
‘I Thought I Was Done Playing A Number Of Times’: How Maple Leafs’ Max Pacioretty Persevered To Score Series-Clinching Goal Against SenatorsIt was 225 days ago, on Sept. 19, when Max Pacioretty, wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs hoodie with the number 67 stamped on, first stepped in front of the camera to explain why he joined the organization.
Pacioretty has been through incredibly tumultuous times in the last two years after rupturing his Achilles tendon twice. Drafted 22nd overall in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, he wasn’t ready to call it quits.
After playing 47 games with the Washington Capitals last season, Pacioretty joined the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout before signing a one-year, $873,770 contract two days before the season opener against the Canadiens.
Many questioned whether choosing the number 67 would bring a bad omen to the team after, well, their history. Pacioretty even laughed when he fielded questions about it during the opening days of training camp, saying, “I hope to bring the team good luck with that number.”
In 10 playoff games with the Maple Leafs, Pacioretty has three goals and five assists for eight points, ranking him fourth in team scoring in the postseason. He’s doing plenty of things right, especially with the number sewn on his back.
‘This Is Why I’m Here’: After A Nearly 3 Month Wait, Max Pacioretty Brings Experience To Maple Leafs Ahead Of Series DebutKANATA, Ont. — Max Pacioretty was visibly dejected when he spoke with reporters ahead of Game 1 of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-round series against the Ottawa Senators.
As he stood in front of the cameras after Game 6 against the Panthers, though, something unique occurred.
If you’re superstitious or think the stars align for certain moments, you’ll appreciate this: The sixth question fielded to Pacioretty on Friday was about his thoughts when he hears the words, “Game 7.”
Sixth question, Game 7, see what I mean? Sixty-seven?
With a big smile, Pacioretty said with certainty, “It’s a lot of fun. I can’t wait. We’re going to war.”
Many questioned whether Friday’s Game 6 would be the final game of this era of the Maple Leafs. But they live to fight another day, now heading back home with a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2002.
‘He Bought Into The Role Of Being A Menace’: Max Pacioretty Delivers Everything Maple Leafs Have Needed In The PlayoffsTo say Max Pacioretty has been red-hot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs would be an overstatement.
The “war” with Florida began on May 5, with Toronto taking the series opener, 5-4. The “war” will conclude on Sunday, with the Carolina Hurricanes waiting after eliminating the Washington Capitals.
“The job’s only going to get harder,” Mitch Marner said, “so don’t be satisfied, got to take care of yourself, take the rest you need, and get ready for a hard game.”
Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
Read the full article here