After a disappointing overtime loss Friday, the Toronto Maple Leafs still hold a 2-1 series lead over the Florida Panthers. One of the most productive lines for the Leafs has been their second set-up of Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, and William Nylander. Pacioretty was moved to the second line for Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators and has remained there since. Since that series-clinching contest, the three have combined for 18 points in four games, with Nylander and Pacioretty now riding four-game point streaks.

Asked about what’s working so well about their trio right now, Pacioretty gave all the credit to his Core Four linemates.

“I’m playing with two unbelievable players,” Pacioretty said. “Everything seems to go through the middle of the ice when you’re creating in the playoffs, so John’s done a really good job of defending well and helping us go from defence to offence. And Willie’s skills, I keep raving about it, I haven’t seen anything like it in my life. So I’m just along for the ride and trying to get pucks out of dirty areas for them and make life a little bit easier on them.”

Pacioretty also added that “everyone wants to improve on last game, and our line is included in that.”

Game 3 showed moments of promise in the Leafs roster, especially from Nylander and Matthew Knies, but ultimately they were just one step slower from the Panthers, who were desperate to avoid a 3-0 series deficit. With the series lead still in their favour, Toronto will need to shake off Friday’s loss quick and come out fresh Sunday if they hope to return home with their lead intact.

In the past, the Leafs have crumbled in the playoffs when the pressure hit. But under Craig Berube, they’ve looked like a different team. In the first round, there was panic when they dropped back-to-back games after going up 3-0, but they kept a level head and put it away in Game 6. Now looking to do the same against the defending Stanley Cup champions, Pacioretty credits Berube’s calm leadership and experience in guiding them through the ups and downs of playoff hockey.

“He’s very calm and he’s been there before,” Pacioretty said “I think when you’ve won before that kind of makes it a little bit easier on staying calm and it’s a really nice effect to trickle down when you know that.”

At the same time, Pacioretty noted that calm doesn’t affect their intensity in crucial moments, adding Berube’s leadership helps in blending those two aspects of their game.

“You do feel that sense of calmness in tough situations, but also the demanding roles that we have,” Pacioretty said. “They’re making a push, we got to stay calm, but also we got to get our foot on the gas. It sounds like an oxymoron, but he does a really good job with that.”

One thing Berube has put an emphasis on through the physicality of the playoffs is the importance of resting on days off. Pacioretty joked Saturday how that’s helping a veteran guy like him.

“Re-charge the batteries out in the sun, I definitely feel a difference, you know, maybe that comes with the older age,” Pacioretty said. “Go out in the sun, maybe hop in the ocean. Yeah, I definitely see a benefit in that.”