Panthers vs Maple Leafs Predictions

**slewfan** · 2025-05-04T14:56:37+00:00

One of Canada's 3 representatives this year in second round. Although WinniethePeg is not there yet. So maybe only 2 reps.

I'll take Florida in this series vs the Maplelaughs. Even though I get the feeling that the Canadian teams are playing with "hate for America" as their mantra.

The overs have been spectacular in this years playoffs. Anyone have a theory on why this is happening.

**takethepnts** · 2025-05-04T15:08:07+00:00

Leafs knock out a 2nd Tkachuk brother and get revenge for last season . Let's go T.O . LEAFS in 7 , on our way to Stanley Cup Heaven ! Lol

Don't bet with your heart they say? But law of averages . Last time the Leafs won the cup in 1967 ... two original 6 teams missed the playoffs - Boston and Detroit.

This year low and behold - No Bruins or Red Wings in the playoffs.

Go Laughs ( cough cough) - GO LEAFS GO!!!

**jim** · 2025-05-04T22:30:07+00:00

Originally posted by takethepnts

Leafs knock out a 2nd Tkachuk brother and get revenge for last season . Let's go T.O . LEAFS in 7 , on our way to Stanley Cup Heaven ! Lol

Don't bet with your heart they say? But law of averages . Last time the Leafs won the cup in 1967 ... two original 6 teams missed the playoffs - Boston and Detroit.

This year low and behold - No Bruins or Red Wings in the playoffs.

Go Laughs ( cough cough) - GO LEAFS GO!!!

another tidbit - nickname of captain George Armstrong and coach Berube = ''Chief''

**takethepnts** · 2025-05-05T02:02:44+00:00

Originally posted by jim

another tidbit - nickname of captain George Armstrong and coach Berube = ''Chief''

Thank you sir. Great added info. We are destined to win this chip

**SBR Andy** · 2025-05-05T13:36:57+00:00

Panthers vs Maple Leafs Game 1 prediction from SBR's Gary Pearson:

Under 5.5 goals (-120 bet365)

"I have no doubt Anthony Stolarz will be focused and ready to shut the door against the defending champs.

The only way the Buds can upset the Cats is for their No. 1 goaltender to play almost unerring hockey throughout. One weak goal will be enough for a Panthers team with more experience and pedigree than Bo Nix at the collegiate level.

Stolarz allowed more than two goals in one of six first-round games. He's allowed three or more goals in just two of his previous 13 starts and is 11-2 in that timeframe. In the playoffs thus far, he has a 2.21 goals-against average.

Sergei Bobrovsky enjoyed a good first round, all things considered. He allowed two goals or fewer in three of five starts, including a shutout, against a Tampa Bay Lightning team with the most goals per game during the regular season.

Three of four regular-season meetings ended with five goals or fewer, with the lone exception pushing through the 5.5-goal barrier thanks to a Sam Bennett empty-netter.

The Under trend preceded the regular season, with four of five the last time these teams met in the playoffs hitting the Under. The anomaly had six goals, with Floria's fourth scored with under eight minutes to play.

All of those Unders occurred with a Maple Leafs team that was far inferior defensively to Berube's current version, which has allowed the fewest goals per 60 minutes 5-on-5 (1.48) thus far in the postseason.

With Aaron Ekblad's absence and the Maple Leafs' recent home-ice swagger, I also expect the Maple Leafs to snatch Game 1, 3-2."

**SBR Andy** · 2025-05-05T13:39:20+00:00

Panthers vs Maple Leafs Game 1 player prop picks from SBR's Gary Pearson:

Sam Bennett Over 0.5 points (+100 via DraftKings)

"Bennett was one of the Panthers' most effective players in the first round, making his presence felt physically and on the scoresheet. He scored at least one point in four of five games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, finishing the series with five.

The other reason to back him is his recent exploits against the Maple Leafs, against whom he's bagged a point in five straight regular-season games, amassing eight overall.

He had two points in Game 1 in the second round of the 2022-23 playoffs, the last time these teams met in the dance.

While we're at it, I'd also take Bennett to fire at least three shots on goal. He accomplished that feat in four of five games against the Maple Leafs in that same playoff series and hit the Over on the same ratio of games in the first round against the Lightning. Those odds can be found at a longer -135."

Bobby McMann Over 1.5 shots (-130 via bet365)

"McMann hit the Over in three of the last four games against the Ottawa Senators and had at least two shots against in two of his previous three meetings with the Cats. The Panthers were one of the best shot suppression teams on the road in the regular season, allowing the fourth-fewest (26.3).

With that in mind, a lower shot total is even more appealing. Game 1 feels like a contest fit for a role player of McMann's physical stature to bulldoze his way to cashing the Over."

John Tavares Over 2.5 shots (+100 via BetMGM)

"Tavares let me down in Game 6 against the Sens, failing to hit the Over for the second time in six opening-round contests. That's okay, though, as it was the first time this prop didn't cash in recent memory.

He's been a consistent producer and a profitable option. He's also been productive against the Cats, hitting the Over in six of 10 previous regular-season meetings and four of five games last time they squared off in the playoffs."

Matthew Tkachuk Over 0.5 assists (+130 via bet365)

"Tkachuk is at his irritating best against the Maple Leafs, and I can't see that changing for Game 1. He scored at least one helper in the last three regular-season meetings with Toronto and amassed four in the first two games of the 2022-23 second-round playoff series.

He's also used to hitting the Over on his shots prop against the Buds, but I'm going with the higher-value assists option."

**Mike Huntertz** · 2025-05-05T17:02:22+00:00

The Panthers are bullies and will push around the Laffs. If Toronto's power play is working the series could get interesting. Otherwise the Blue Bellies will get smacked around and lose in 6.
In the past when the going gets tough the Leafs run and hide. They are better this year but not quite there yet.