Facing elimination, the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up a much-needed 2-1 road victory on Wednesday against the Florida Panthers and have extended the series to a fifth game back in Toronto.
Can the Leafs pull another rabbit out of their hat and force Game 6? Or will the Panthers finish them off and march on to the Eastern Conference Final?
Let’s dive into some game odds, predictions, and best bets ahead of a crucial Game 5 matchup between the Maple Leafs and Panthers.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Odds • Game 5
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Friday, May 12, at 12:30 a.m. ET, and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Maple Leafs (-170) • Panthers (+145)
- Puck Line: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+140) • Panthers +1.5 (-165)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-125) • Under 6.5 (+105)
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Prediction • Game 5
Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 2
Maple Leafs netminder Joseph Woll stole the show for Toronto in Game 4, stopping 24 of 25 shots faced to go along with a phenomenal .960 Save Percentage.
Leafs management has been raving about Woll all season long, and he responded in a big way when his team needed him the most.
Toronto also received key contributions from William Nylander and Mitch Marner, who each found the scoresheet for the first time this series.
The blue and white showed a lot of fight, heart, and desperation and, at least for the time being, proved to the hockey world that they were not going away quietly.
Although the Panthers are still in the driver’s seat, I expect the Leafs to come out flying in Game 4 in front of their home crowd.
Look for Toronto to win a close one on Friday night and send this series back to Sunrise for Game 6.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Best Bets • Game 5
Under 6.5 Total Goals (+105) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The total between Toronto and Florida on Friday is set at 6.5, a value which has gone Under through each of the first four games of this series. For that reason, we’ll ride with the Under at plus money as our NHL bet of the day.
Game 4 between the Leafs and Cats saw a good old-fashioned goaltending duo between Woll and Sergei Bobrovsky of the Panthers, who continues to shine in these playoffs.
In addition to his on-ice dominance, Bobrosvky ranks second in the postseason in Goals Saved Above Replacement, third in Save Percentage on Unblocked Shots, and second in Wins Above Replacement (per Money Puck).
Toronto’s offense, a hallmark of its game all season long, has struggled mightily thus far this series, thanks in large part to the brilliance of Bobrovsky in goal
With both goaltenders locked in, we’re likely in store for yet another close, low-scoring game between two evenly matched teams.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Game 4 Preview
The Florida Panthers have forced the Toronto Maple Leafs to the brink of elimination after a 3-2 overtime victory Sunday.
The Panthers now hold a 3-0 stranglehold on this series and can wrap it up on home ice on Wednesday.
Will this series end in a four-game sweep? Or will Toronto live to fight another day and take it back home for Game 5?
Find out below, where I examine game odds, predictions, and best bets ahead of a critical Game 4 matchup between the Maple Leafs and Panthers.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Odds • Game 4
Lines sed for these best bets are current as of Tuesday, May 9, at 5:00 p.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Maple Leafs (-125) • Panthers (+105)
- Puck Line: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+185) • Panthers +1.5 (-215)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-130) • Under 6.5 (+110)
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Prediction • Game 4
Panthers 4, Maple Leafs 1
The Cats enter Game 4 red-hot having reeled off six-consecutive postseason victories and find themselves one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1996.
The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are limping through this series and have no one to blame but themselves.
Toronto’s top players have mightily struggled in this series with the likes of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares combining for an abysmal three assists and zero goals through the first three games.
In Game 3, Toronto scored a hideous 29.3% on the “Deserve to Win O’Meter” combined with a porous 2.33 Expected Goals (per Money Puck). It unfortunately reflects an effort die-hard Leafs fans have become all too familiar with in the Matthews era.
Given the play of Toronto’s most important players in this series, there’s no real evidence to suggest anything will be different in Game 4. Look for the Cats to wrap this one up at home and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Best Bets • Game 4
Under 6.5 Total Goals (+110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
In a series that featured two of hockey’s most potent and explosive offenses, it’s been anything but a goal-fest through the first three games between the Leafs and Cats.
Toronto’s offense, a staple of their game all season long, has dried up at the single-most inopportune time. In fact, the Leafs have scored two goals or less in five straight games.
On the Florida side of things, netminder Sergei Bobrovsky continues to shine in goal, stopping 91 of 97 shots faced in the series to go along with an impressive .938 Save Percentage, keeping Toronto’s forward core at bay.
At plus money, I’m banking on yet another low-scoring game between these two teams making the Under the top bet in this game.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Game 3 Preview
The Florida Panthers are on absolute fire.
After taking down the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins and taking the first two games on the road in Toronto, the Cats return home up 2-0 in their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on the heels of five-consecutive postseason victories.
The series now switches to Sunrise, Florida, with the Maple Leafs facing a must-win scenario on the road in Game 3.
Below, you’ll find game odds, predictions, and best bets between the Maple Leafs and Panthers ahead of this critical Game 3 matchup. Let’s dive in and meet our plays.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Odds • Game 3
Hockey lines used for these best bets are current as of Saturday, May 6, at 3:30 p.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Maple Leafs (-120) • Panthers (+110)
- Puck Line: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+180) • Panthers +1.5 (-210)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-130) • Under 6.5 (+110)
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Prediction • Game 3
Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 2
The Maple Leafs find themselves in a deep 0-2 hole heading to Sunrise against a Panthers team that is oozing with confidence and red-hot at the moment.
However, some time away from home may actually benefit the Leafs, who have gone 3-0 on the road thus far this postseason.
Toronto’s big boys which include the likes of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, continue to generate grade-A scoring chances, which include a combined 2.54 Expected Goals (per Money Puck) and a whopping combined 23 shots on goal in Game 2.
I hate to blame Toronto’s misfortunes on “puck luck” and “not getting the bounces”, but that’s exactly what happened in Game 2.
Look for the Maple Leafs to respond in Game 3 and eke out a massive victory on the road to get themselves back in the series.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Best Bets • Game 3
Maple Leafs ML (+110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
The Maple Leafs came away with absolutely nothing in Game 2 despite being the far superior hockey team both on the ice and in the advanced metrics department.
The results were staggering.
For starters, Toronto logged a 55.67 Corsi For rating which measures shot-differential while at even-strength play. Toronto also logged 4.12 Expected Goals (xGoals), in comparison to Florida’s 2.89 (via Money Puck).
Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky was nothing short of spectacular in Game 2, saving 35 of 37 shots to go along with a .946 save Percentage and 2.12 Goals Saved Above Expected (via Money Puck).
On Sunday, Toronto gets a fantastic opportunity to steal a game on the road, and based on their recent performance in game 2 will do just that.
At plus money, I love the value you’re getting with the Leafs to win outright.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Game 2 Preview
The Florida Panthers are currently riding a four-game playoff winning streak after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-final series.
After a quick 48 hours, the stage is now set for a massive Game 2 matchup. Will the Cats be able to take a 2-0 strangle-hold on the series? Or will the Leafs punch back and even up their best-of-seven series at one game apiece before it switches to Sunrise, Florida?
Find out below, where I examine game odds, predictions, and best bets for Game 2 between the Maple Leafs and Panthers.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Odds • Game 2
Hockey lines used for these best bets are current as of Wednesday, May 3, at 5 p.m. ET, and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Maple Leafs (-180) • Panthers (+155)
- Puck Line: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+135) • Panthers +1.5 (-155)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-135) • Under 6.5 (+115)
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Prediction • Game 2
Maple Leafs 5, Panthers 3
The Panthers laid the first punch in what was a near-perfect road game in Game 1.
After an emotionally draining series victory over the Boston Bruins in seven games, the Cats were led by Sam Bennett, Brandon Montour, Aleksander Barkov, and the red-hot Matthew Tkachuk who notched three assists.
After a performance on home ice that left much to be desired, Toronto will have a golden opportunity to bounce back in a big way, and I think that’s exactly what will happen.
Game 1 saw Toronto’s second line of John Tavares, William Nylander, and Calle Jarnkrok combine for 13 shots on goal and a whopping 74 percent Expected-Goals Percentage (per Money Puck), but left the ice with nothing to show for it.
Sooner or later these Grade-A scoring chances are going to swing in Toronto’s favor which spells trouble for the Panthers blue line.
Look for Toronto to score early and often on Thursday and level this series at one game apiece.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Best Bets • Game 2
Maple Leafs -1.5 (+135) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Although it’s super early in this series, Toronto enters Thursday night facing a must-win situation.
Unlike in previous years, the Leafs have shown thus far this postseason they are ready to answer adversity when things don’t go their way.
The Leafs as a whole were foiled by the brilliance of Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovksy in Game 1, who posted a spectacular .944 save percentage by stopping 34 of 36 shots. Despite his brilliance in goal, Toronto has far too many offensive weapons to be held in check in back-to-back home contests.
Look for Toronto’s talented forward core to take over Game 2 in a big way both on the ice and on the scoresheet.
Take the Leafs against the puck-line spread at an excellent price point.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Game 1 Preview
After a thrilling opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Round 2 officially begins with Game 1 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers.
Following a quick turnaround after Florida’s Game 7 triumph over the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins, their focus now shifts to the Maple Leafs, who are playing in the second round for the first time since 2004.
Below, I’ll profile game odds, predictions, and best bets ahead of what promises to be a terrific matchup between the Maple Leafs and Panthers.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Odds • Game 1
Hockey lines used for these best bets are current as of Monday, May 1, at 4:30 pm ET, and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Maple Leafs (-155) • Panthers (+135)
- Puck Line: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+155) • Panthers +1.5 (-180)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-115) • Under 6.5 (-105)
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Prediction • Game 1
Maple Leafs 5, Panthers 3
This series features four of the NHL’s top 15 playoff scoring leaders with Matthew Tkachuk, Brandon Montour, Mitch Marner, and Auston Matthews. Goals and high-danger scoring chances should be plentiful and will be evident right from the get-go Tuesday.
Although both teams played in emotionally-draining series, including multiple overtime contests in Round 1, the Leafs will greatly benefit from an extra day’s rest and home ice to open up the series.
Look for Toronto to score early and often in Game 1 en route to a fairly comfortable victory.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Best Bets • Game 1
Over 6.5 Total Goals (-115) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
If you’re a casual hockey fan or one that loves offense, this is the series for you.
Florida and Toronto played a combined 13 games in Round 1. Of those 13 games, nine went over 6.5 total goals. For that reason, I’ll target the Over on a single-unit wager as our Maple Leafs and Panthers best bet.
From a sheer goaltending perspective, both Ilya Samsonov and Sergei Bobrovsky (projected starters) have struggled in their goaltending metrics.
In six games, Samsonov has posted a 3.14 goals-against average (GAA) and .900 save percentage (SV%). On the other hand, since taking over against Boston mid-series, Bobrovsky countered with a 3.94 GAA and .891 SV%.
Factor in the offensive firepower on both benches, and we could be in for an absolute goal fest to kick off the series. Look for a high-octane, back-and-forth opener to pay off with this top hockey bet.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are set to meet in the Eastern Conference Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Although this is the first-ever meeting between the two teams in the postseason, both Toronto and Florida play a highly entertaining and offensive brand of hockey that makes this a terrific matchup.
Below, you’ll find series odds, predictions, and best bets between the Maple Leafs and Panthers. Let’s dive into our favorite plays for this series.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Series Odds
To Win Series: Maple Leafs (-170) • Panthers (+145)
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Monday May 1 at 4 p.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Maple Leafs enter this series as favorites, and are riding high after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning to win their first playoff series since 2004.
The Leafs carry a 62.96% implied series victory probability, and enter this matchup as the more talented hockey club, at least on paper.
On the other hand, the Panthers enter as underdogs despite upsetting the record-setting Boston Bruins in Round 1, taking down one of the best regular-season teams in NHL history.
Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if it wants to go one step further and take down a Maple Leafs team that is brimming with confidence.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Series Prediction
Maple Leafs Win In 6 Games
Judging by Toronto’s celebrations, both on the ice and in the press box, after Game 6, it’s as if a massive weight has been collectively lifted off this group’s shoulders.
As a team, the Leafs have played some impressive hockey thus far in these playoffs, including three overtime road wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Toronto ranks fifth in the postseason in Expected Goals-For Percentage and second in Shooting Percentage, per Natural Stat Trick. Factor in these metrics with Toronto’s forward core, which includes Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Ryan O’Reilly, and that spells major trouble for Florida.
It’s been a long time since the Maple Leafs have been in this spot, and I think they’ll take full advantage of this favorable Atlantic Division matchup against the Cats.
Look for the Leafs to advance in six hard-fought games.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Series Best Bets
Series Spread: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Our Maple Leafs vs. Panthers best bet will target Toronto against the series spread.
Florida and Toronto are two of hockey’s most exciting and offensively-gifted teams, both ranking in the top three in Fenwick For Percentage (FF%), via Natural Stat Trick. This statistic denotes that both teams have more unblocked shots than their opponents.
Although I expect the Leafs to ultimately prevail, Florida won’t go quietly, especially with the likes of Brandon Montour and Matthew Tkachuk playing at an elite level.
Given the explosiveness on both benches, I’m anticipating a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair until one team finally delivers a knockout punch. For these reasons, I have no issue placing a single-unit wager on the Leafs winning by at least two games for this NHL pick of the day.
