Maple Leafs' Max Pacioretty Secures Series-Clinching Goal Against Senators

Max Pacioretty’s journey with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been marked by significant adversity, including multiple Achilles injuries and missing much of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. Despite these challenges, Pacioretty returned to play a pivotal role in the Maple Leafs’ first-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, scoring the series-clinching goal in Game 6 and contributing an assist. His physical style and veteran presence have been highly valued by the team, especially in a playoff series characterized by intensity and physicality. Head coach Craig Berube promoted Pacioretty to the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, seeking consistency and experience after earlier injuries and lineup changes. Teammates and coaches have praised Pacioretty’s resilience and leadership, citing his perseverance as a motivating force in the locker room. Toronto’s victory advances them to face the Florida Panthers in the second round, marking just their third trip past the opening round since 2004.