Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice has noticed something interesting of late ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The game marks the first of three meetings between the Maple Leafs and Panthers in the final five weeks of the season. They'll face each other again in Toronto on April 2 followed by a matchup six days later at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

Sam Bennett scored two power-play goals as the visiting Florida Panthers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on Thursday night.

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Thompson puts Sharks on board in third period vs. Maple Leafs Sharks defenseman Jack Thompson cuts San Jose's deficit in half with a third-period goal against the Toronto Maple Le

The Leafs are Panthers are currently fighting it out for first place in the Atlantic Division. Florida currently holds the top spot, just two points ahead of Toronto. The Maple Leafs are back home after what was a tough Mountain Time road trip over the past week.