** The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are facing off in a do-or-die Game 7, with the Leafs holding home-ice advantage. USA TODAY Sports weighs in with predictions on which team will clinch the series—will it be Toronto’s high-powered offense or Florida’s gritty resilience that prevails?

What This Mean: ** Game 7s are the ultimate showdown in hockey—no second chances, just pure tension. For Leafs fans, it’s another chance to break their playoff curse, while Panthers supporters are hoping their underdog momentum carries them through. Either way, it’s must-watch drama for sports fans.

** Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty rallied fans with a fiery post-game declaration—"We're going to war"—after a pivotal Game 6. Head coach Craig Berube, known for valuing toughness, likely appreciated the veteran's combative mindset, signaling the team's all-in mentality for a high-stakes playoff push.

What This Mean: ** Playoff hockey thrives on emotion, and Pacioretty’s words aren’t just hype—they’re a glimpse into the Leafs’ locker room culture under Berube. For a team often criticized for lacking grit, this kind of attitude could be the spark they need to shake their postseason reputation. Fans love it, opponents take note, and suddenly, the series feels even bigger.

** In a nail-biting overtime showdown, Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley delivered a stunning goal to eliminate the Winnipeg Jets and advance his team in the playoffs. After a tough loss in Game 5, the Stars fought hard to clinch the series, with Harley’s clutch moment sealing the deal.

What This Mean: ** Playoff hockey is all about moments—and Harley just created one for the highlight reels. This isn’t just a win; it’s the kind of dramatic, edge-of-your-seat play that keeps fans hooked. For the Stars, it’s a huge step forward, while the Jets are left wondering what could’ve been.

** The Winnipeg Jets are in a do-or-die Game 6 against the Dallas Stars, with a chance to force a decisive Game 7 back home. But things took a worrying turn when star defenseman Josh Morrissey left the game after a scary collision with Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (who isn’t even playing in this series—likely a mix-up in the reporting). The Jets are tied heading into the third period, but losing Morrissey, their top-minute defenseman, could be a huge blow to their playoff survival hopes.

What This Mean: ** Playoff hockey is already high-stakes, but losing a key player like Morrissey—even temporarily—could swing the momentum. The Jets rely heavily on his defensive play, and if he’s out long-term, it’s bad news for their Stanley Cup hopes. Even if it’s just this game, his absence could be the difference between forcing Game 7 or going home early. Plus, the confusion over Rantanen’s involvement adds a weird layer to an already tense moment.

** The Winnipeg Jets, considered underdogs by many, aren't ready to bow out of their playoff series against the Dallas Stars just yet. After staving off elimination in their last game, they’re heading into Dallas with momentum—and Stars coach Pete DeBoer isn’t taking them lightly. This matchup is turning into a scrappy battle nobody saw coming.

What This Mean: ** Playoff hockey thrives on unpredictability, and the Jets are proving why. Their resilience makes this series way more interesting than expected, keeping fans on edge. If they pull off another win, it could shake up the entire playoff landscape—and that’s the kind of drama sports lovers live for.