The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00PM ET at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto leads the series 1-0 after a 5-4 win in Game 1 on Monday.
Florida finished third in the Atlantic Division with a 47-31-4 record, while Toronto won the division at 52-26-2. The teams have now met six times this season, with Toronto winning four of those games. The winner of this series will advance to the Eastern Conference Final.
TOR Preview – Leafs Leaning on Forward Depth
Toronto came out on top in Game 1 behind a big performance from William Nylander, who scored two goals. Max Pacioretty had two assists and led the team with physical play. The Maple Leafs also got points from Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares in the win.
The Leafs are averaging 3.12 goals per game and allow 2.82 on the season. They are one of the best home teams in the NHL, finishing 30-14-1 at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto ranks top 10 in shot percentage and has averaged 31.2 shots per game.
Starting goalie Anthony Stolarz left Game 1 after taking a hit but is not yet ruled out for Game 2. The Leafs may turn to backup goaltender if needed. They’ve hit the moneyline in 51 of their last 76 games and have covered the puck line in 46 games this season.
FLA Preview – Panthers Looking to Even the Series
Florida dropped Game 1 despite scoring four goals and putting 29 shots on net. Sergei Bobrovsky allowed five goals on 30 shots for an .833 save percentage. Carter Verhaeghe led the way with two assists, while Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart were held without points.
The Panthers averaged 3.12 goals per game this season and are known for strong second periods. They’ll get Aaron Ekblad back for Game 2 after he served a two-game suspension. Florida will need more from its top line to respond after falling behind in the series.
Florida is 23-20-2 on the road this season. The Panthers have gone under the total in six of their last ten games against Toronto. They’ve also hit the third-period under in 45 of their last 107 games, which may be worth noting if it’s a close game late.
Betting Prediction
The Panthers are -136 favorites with the total set at 5.5 goals. Game 1 went over the total with nine combined goals. Toronto is +129 underdogs but has won four of the last five meetings with Florida, including three one-goal victories.
Toronto’s depth showed up in Game 1, and they’ve been tough to beat at home. Florida will respond with a better effort, but the Leafs have the edge in momentum and confidence. A final score around 4-3 gives Toronto the win and pushes the series lead to 2-0.
Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs +129 over Florida Panthers
Take the Maple Leafs to win Game 2 over the Panthers.
