You can’t win every night, but it’s been a long time since the Leafs said that on back-to-back games.

Going 0-0-2 on the brief Florida road trip, the Leafs continue their ascent towards the magical 95-point margin that all-but-guarantees them a playoff berth, but, you know, just couldn’t pull it out tonight.

What more can you ask for? Toronto dominated possession early and over the final two periods, and put up 50 shot attempts at 5v5 compared to just 27 for Florida. You can’t win every night, but overall, a pretty solid offensive and defensive effort from the Buds where they just scored one less than they should’ve.

When you think of the Panthers these days, it’s gotta be Alex Barkov who comes to your mind first, no?

The 2013 second-overall pick has been having a career season, putting up 59 points in as many games this year. His 21st goal was all we’d get out of the first period, despite the Leafs holding a 13-9 edge in shots.

When you think of the Panthers these days, it’s gotta be Jonathan Huberdeau comes to your mind first, right?

The 2011 third-overall pick landed a wrister from in close on Curtis McElhinney, giving the Panthers a two-goal cushion.

But just 71 seconds later, Dominic Moore came through to put the Leafs back within one on an unspectacular, odd-angled shot that squeaked past Roberto Luongo.

And then Zach Hyman scored a goal to even us at two, but it was William Nylander who made all the magic happen. You’re going to want to watch this one again:

Needless to say, it was a good period for the Leafs after giving up the early goal.

No one scored, so we went to overtime.

The Panthers scored off of a Jared McCann shot created by a Nikita Zaitsev turnover. Hrmph. It happens.

A good effort from the Buds, but a hot performance from Luongo and it’s only a one-point night.