Brad Marchand praised the Leafs following Florida's overtime win in Game 3.

"You saw the way they prepared for the game," the Panthers winger said. "They have that killer instinct right now. We have to do a better job preparing to start the game and the carry it through. They’re going to come out hard."

The Leafs have outscored the Panthers 6-3 in the first period so far in the series. Scoring chances favour Toronto 17-6 in the opening 20 minutes.

"Don’t overthink it," stressed winger Mitch Marner. "Just keep doing what we’re doing, starting on time, which is what you love to see. Just don’t overthink it, just get out there and be ready for a fast-paced game like we’ve been doing."

Toronto scored in the first minute of Game 1 and Game 3 in this series.

"We want to get off to a good start and have a certain mindset and mentality going out there, being aggressive and attack," Leafs coach Craig Berube said. "It's something we talk about all the time, and I thought we did that in the first period."

What is Paul Maurice looking for from his team to start Sunday's game?

"Not a goal against," the Panthers coach said. "And that sounds silly, but that’s actually the truth ... Gotta keep them off the scoreboard in the first minute of the game because it does affect the game. We get behind it and then you get a little tension."

The Panthers alleviated some tension by winning their first game of the series on Friday. The Leafs have a chance to show off some more killer instinct on Sunday as they look to go up 3-1 in the series.

"It’s something that you want, and something that you try to put yourself in a good position for," said Marner. "Great opportunity."

"I haven’t really thought about it too much," said winger William Nylander when asked about his team's killer instinct. "Just go out and play."

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Auston Matthews missed Sunday's skate, but the team confirmed the centre will play in Game 4.

"He's our captain," said defenceman Chris Tanev. "He's our leader, and he's been an incredible player for us. I expect him to be the same tonight. He's going to show up and be great for us."

Matthews, who is still looking for his first goal of the series, also........

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