Panthers star comments on skill and talent in Toronto ahead of Round 2 matchup

One key takeaway came from Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, as he spoke highly of the Leafs' skill and talent in what he believes will be a back and forth series. Tkachuk admitted that it was only a matter of time before the Leafs core broke through to the second round because they are "too talented of a team" and his team knows what they are up against.

The change of pace between playing the Boston Bruins and the Maple Leafs is a significant difference for the Panthers. The Leafs have a much younger group who are hungry and yet to reach their peak, whereas a part of the Bruins core has been on its downslope for some tome and roll at a much slower, more methodical pace of play. Tkachuk and the Panthers are preparing to face a top six that is, in Tkachuk's mind, "as good as it gets" in Toronto, as they will certainly have their hands full against them in a 7-game series.

In what is probably the most well-rounded Maple Leafs team we have seen in the last 25 years, the Leafs have been consistent all year, even against the Panthers, finishing with a 3-0-1 record in the regular season against Cats.

The Panthers recognize the depth found throughout the Leafs' lineup. Tkachuk even joked that the reward for beating the best team in the NHL (the Bruins) is to "take on the second best team in the league".

Tkachuk has some pretty good friends in the Leafs' locker room in Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. This should be an exciting series and I'd fully expect that those friendships will be put on the shelf until after the series is over and done with.