Hockey

Mikko Rantanen is showing exactly why Dallas was willing to pay such a hefty price to put him the roster. One of the players the Stars traded for Rantanen is also making a positive impact for his new team.

TORONTO — Max Pacioretty started the playoffs in the press box. Now it's hard to imagine the Maple Leafs without their veteran winger punishing opposition defencemen, hounding pucks in the offensive zone and scoring important goals.

TORONTO — Mitch Marner has experienced a whirlwind stretch — both at home and the rink. Joseph Woll waited patiently and prepared for a chance he knew might not arrive.

Toronto Maple Leafs (52-26-4, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Florida Panthers (47-31-4, in the Atlantic Division) Sunrise, Florida; Friday, 7 p.m.

WINNIPEG — Mikko Rantanen’s teammates are soaking up his prowess with the puck -- again.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets reflected the play of assistant captain Mark Scheifele on Wednesday. After missing two games with an upper-body injury, Scheifele returned to action for Game 1 of Winnipeg's second-round series against the Dallas Stars.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Mikko Rantanen scored a natural hat trick in the second period and the Dallas Stars beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

TORONTO (AP) — Mitch Marner scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period and the Toronto Maple Maple Leafs beat the Florida Panthers 4-3 on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in their second-round playoff series.

TORONTO (AP) — Joseph Woll is back under the postseason spotlight, a place the Toronto Maple Leafs goalie has thrived in the past.

TORONTO (AP) — Mitch Marner has experienced a whirlwind stretch — both at home and the rink. Joseph Woll waited patiently and prepared for a chance he wasn't sure he'd get.