The Panthers beat the Maple Leafs 5-2

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) – Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart scored 10 seconds apart midway through the second period and the Florida Panthers beat Toronto Maple Leafs. Leaves Tuesday night 5-2.

With the win and Boston's 3-1 loss to Ottawa, Florida became the Atlantic Division champion. The Panthers (52-24-6) finished the season on a four-game winning streak to close a five-point deficit in the standings.

Carter Verhege and Brandon Montour scored for Florida, and Anthony Stolarz made 24 saves.

The Panthers will play the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.

Mitchell Marner and Noah Gregor scored for Maple Leaves (46-25-10), and Joseph Wall made 37 stops.

Toronto finished third in the Atlantic Division and will play Boston in the first round of the playoffs.

Maple Leaves Star Auston Matthews remains at 69 goals, but had several chances to add to his tally on Tuesday. He will have another chance to become the first player to score 70 goals in a Maple Season since 1992-93. Leaves Take on the Thunder in Tampa Bay on Wednesday night.

Verheghe scored in Florida's first game back from an upper-body injury that has kept him out since April 1.

NEXT UP

Maple Leaves: Visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday.

Panthers: Get ready for Game 1 of the NHL playoffs.