Florida (0-1) at Toronto (1-0)
- When: May 7 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, CAN
- TV: ESPN
Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Florida Panthers (-142) | Total: 5.5
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host the Florida Panthers for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference second-round showdown. Florida comes in as the slight favorite on the moneyline, while the total is set at 5.5, hinting at a potentially tight, low-scoring contest.
Toronto Maple Leafs Overview
Toronto heads into Game 2 with their focus squarely on executing their game plan, rather than seeking retribution for incidents from Game 1. Starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz left the first game after taking an elbow to the head from Sam Bennett. Despite attempting to shake it off, Stolarz eventually exited after appearing visibly shaken and vomiting on the bench. His status for Game 2 remains uncertain, with head coach Craig Berube not yet ruling him out as of Tuesday. There’s still no word on whether he’s been diagnosed with a concussion, leaving Toronto’s goaltending situation in flux.
Coach Berube emphasized discipline, urging his players to avoid retaliatory penalties and focus on their game. “If there’s an opportunity to take the body you take it. But if you try to go after Bennett, you’ll just end up in the box,” he stated.
Offensively, the Maple Leafs have been carried by Max Pacioretty, who has emerged as a key contributor since joining the lineup in Game 3 of the first-round series against Ottawa. Pacioretty scored the series-clinching goal, assisted on William Nylander’s two tallies in the 5-4 win over Florida, and leads the team with 27 hits in just five postseason appearances. His chemistry with Nylander and John Tavares has been evident, providing Toronto with a dangerous line capable of turning the tide of any game.
Florida Panthers Overview
The defending Stanley Cup champions are looking to bounce back and even the series before heading back to Florida. Coach Paul Maurice acknowledged that the Panthers struggled to establish their identity early in Game 1, resulting in a slow start. “The score sometimes changes how teams play, and we didn’t get to our game soon enough,” he remarked.
A major boost for Florida is the return of Aaron Ekblad, who is back in the lineup after serving a two-game suspension for a hit on Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel. His presence not only solidifies the Panthers’ defense but also reshapes their matchups, allowing for more strategic deployment on the ice.
Florida’s top line of Aleksander Barkov, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sam Reinhart was largely neutralized in Game 1, with only Verhaeghe picking up two assists while Barkov and Reinhart were kept off the scoresheet. For Florida to even the series, they will need a more aggressive showing from their star forwards, along with a tighter defensive structure to limit Toronto’s scoring chances.
Prediction and Final Score
Toronto’s goaltending uncertainty looms large, especially if Stolarz is not cleared to play. Florida, with a more complete lineup and Ekblad back to fortify their defense, should be more structured in Game 2. The Maple Leafs will rely heavily on their top line for offensive production, but Florida’s deeper lineup and defensive improvements might tip the scales.
Final Score Prediction: Panthers 4, Maple Leafs 2
Best Bet: Panthers ML -142
Total: Over 5.5 (-120)
Expect Florida to win and cover the spread, with the Over 5.5 being a strong play as both offenses find their rhythm and the Panthers tighten up their defensive lapses from Game 1.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
