Florida Panthers vs
Toronto Maple LeafsPredictions & Preview

Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs Renew Bitter Rivalry in Game 1 of Second-Round Playoff Series

In Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs will renew their bitter rivalry on the ice north of the border. Florida comes into the game as the favorite after advancing to the second round by defeating Tampa Bay, while Toronto earned their spot by beating Ottawa. The Panthers have the advantage in recent meetings between the teams, including a 3-1 victory in their most recent matchup. With Florida opening as the betting favorite at -121, the current line sits at Florida -122.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Panthers -122 | Maple Leafs +107
• Spread: Panthers -1.5 (+207) | Maple Leafs +1.5 (-250)
• Total: Over/Under 5.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Florida will win straight-up is 55%.

Florida vs Toronto Stats

Florida Panthers

The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, started their playoff campaign by defeating Tampa Bay in five games, securing a win in Game 5. The Panthers are now focused on gaining home ice advantage for the second consecutive series. They have been strong offensively, averaging 3.60 goals per game in the postseason and are tied for 4th in the league in goals per game. Defensively, they allow an average of 2.40 goals per contest, ranking them 2nd in the league in goals against. In terms of special teams, Florida has been successful on the power play, converting 25% of their chances, and have excelled on the penalty kill, navigating 88.9% of shorthanded situations. In their recent victory against Tampa Bay, the Panthers showcased their offensive prowess, outshooting their opponents and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. With solid goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky, who made 26 saves in the game, the Panthers emerged victorious. Looking ahead, Florida maintains a strong standing with a power ranking of 3, ranking 14th in offense, 3rd in defense, and boasting a 51-32-4 record for the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs Analysis

The Toronto Maple Leafs battled with a scrappy Ottawa squad and managed to advance to the second round for the second time in three years. Toronto took the first three games of the series and is looking to continue their success in the upcoming games. They are tied for eighth in the league in goals per game and fourth in goals against. Toronto has been successful on the power play, converting 35.3% of their chances, and have a strong penalty killing department as well. In Game 6 against Ottawa, Toronto started strong, maintained their lead, and secured the win in the late stages of the third period. Auston Matthews and William Nylander contributed to the scoring, with Anthony Stolarz making 21 saves in the victory. The Maple Leafs have a power ranking of 22 and rank 10th in offense and defense, with an overall record of 56-27-5. Against Florida, Toronto has won two out of their last three matchups.

Florida Panthers Face Tough Challenge Against Transformed Toronto Maple Leafs

The Florida Panthers have proven themselves as a formidable team by winning the Stanley Cup last year and dominating their recent series against Tampa Bay on the road. As they head to Toronto for the first two games of their upcoming series, they are aiming to continue their winning streak. The Toronto Maple Leafs, under the leadership of Craig Berube, have undergone a transformation in their playing style, emphasizing physicality, strong defensive play, and a more balanced offense. While key players like Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and Tavares have been crucial, the team has shown depth with various players contributing to important goals. This shift in dynamics makes the Leafs a tough opponent for the Panthers. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers adapt to this new challenge, and Toronto may have the edge in the series opener as a result.

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