For the first time in 19 years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have advanced to the second round of the playoffs, and they’re not stopping there.
With a stellar roster and a newfound confidence, Leafs Nation is ready to watch their team dominate the Florida Panthers in this highly anticipated matchup.
Before we get to your picks for this game in the NHL playoffs, you will want to check out our list of the best hockey betting sites and the Vegas odds for the upcoming 2023 NHL playoffs games.
Toronto Maple Leafs
First, let’s talk about Toronto’s impressive first-round victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning had reached the Stanley Cup Finals the past three seasons, winning two Cups – and yet, the Leafs managed to take them down in just six games.
Toronto’s familiarity with their opponent is another advantage. The Leafs and Panthers met three times in the final three weeks of the regular season, with Toronto winning twice and losing the other game in overtime.
This experience gives the Leaf’s valuable insight into Florida’s strategies and weaknesses, setting them up for success in the upcoming series.
In the words of Toronto forward Mitch Marner, “We can’t be satisfied. There’s a lot more ahead, and we’ve got to be ready for it.” That readiness could be what propelled the Leafs to victory against the Panthers.
The heart and soul of this Toronto team lie within its elite players. Auston Matthews has been on fire, scoring a goal in four straight games and riding a six-game point streak (five goals, four assists). With 22 points (13 goals, nine assists) in 22 career games against the Panthers, Matthews is a force to be reckoned with.
Add to that Morgan Rielly enters the series with a five-game point streak (three goals, five assists) and owns 26 points (two goals, 24 assists) in 32 games against Florida – the Panthers should be shaking in their skates.
Oddsmakers have priced the Maple Leafs as -155 favorites giving them about a 60% chance to take a 1-0 lead in this series. That seems like a low price to back the much better hockey team.
I would recommend betting on the Maple Leafs to win on the money line at -155 odds.
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Florida Panthers
Now, let’s talk about the Panthers. Their first-round victory over the Boston Bruins was impressive, but it should be taken with a grain of salt.
The Bruins set NHL records during the regular season with 65 wins and 135 points, making Florida’s win seem like a Cinderella story.
Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk admitted, “Nobody in the whole world thought we were going to win this series except for the guys in (our) room.” Is Cinderella’s clock about to strike midnight?
Are the Leafs ready to shatter the glass slipper?
The Panthers will be missing a key player for at least the start of the series, as coach Paul Maurice announced that forward Ryan Lomberg is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
Lomberg played through the injury for three games before sitting out the final three against Boston. His absence leaves a significant gap in Florida’s roster, which Toronto will attempt to capitalize on.
They have a price of +135 on the money line, which doesn’t feel like it’s good enough value for me. I think the toll of the previous seven-game series against the Bruins will show its signs early in this series.
I would not recommend betting on the Florida Panthers on the money line at +135.
Florida’s shining star, Matthew Tkachuk, was certainly a force against the Bruins, racking up 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the series.
However, the Leafs have the tools to neutralize his impact. With a strong defense and a high-powered offense, Toronto can keep Tkachuk in check and maintain control of the game.
These teams both have high-powered offenses, so it’s understandable that the total goals is set at 6.5 for this game. I don’t know how one wouldn’t take the over in this game, though.
It seems too good to be true with these teams. This has to be a trap of some sort, most may stay away, but I’m going to take a closer look.
After further examination, I’m advising you to bet under 6.5 goals. You get plus money odds at BetUS on the under, which is even more reason to lean toward it.
This game has 4-2 written all over it. The Panthers are tired from their previous series, and the Maple Leafs have the advantage.
I would recommend betting Under 6.5 goals in this game.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are ready to bring the heat against the Florida Panthers in this second-round series.
With elite players like Matthews and Rielly, a strong track record against their opponent, and a confident mindset after their first-round triumph, the Leafs are well-equipped to take down the Panthers and continue their playoff journey.
So, Leafs Nation, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride – Toronto’s time to shine has finally arrived.
I am picking the Maple Leafs at home to take a 1-0 lead. That arena will be going wild for the first game, and I just think the rested Maple Leafs take advantage of the Panthers playing yet another game on the road.
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