Florida (2-2) at Toronto (2-2)
- When: May 14 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, CAN
- TV: ESPN
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs – Game 5 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Florida -140 | Total: 6.0
Florida Panthers Analysis
The Florida Panthers are riding high after clawing their way back to even the series 2-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. After dropping the first two games at Scotiabank Arena, Florida turned the tide in South Florida with a gritty 5-4 overtime win in Game 3, followed by a commanding 2-0 shutout in Game 4. The Panthers leaned heavily on their physical style, shutting down Toronto’s top scorers and tightening their defense.
Goaltending has been a bright spot for Florida, with Joseph Woll stepping up in the absence of Anthony Stolarz, who remains out with an undisclosed injury. Woll faced a barrage of 37 shots in Game 4, 29 of which came in the first two periods alone, yet he held firm and kept the Panthers in control.
Offensively, Sam Bennett has been the spark plug for the Panthers, leading the team with five goals this postseason. His clutch performance in Game 4 marked his second tally of the series, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net at critical moments. Head coach Paul Maurice praised the team’s defensive work and physicality, which stifled Toronto’s usually dynamic offense. Florida will look to carry that momentum back to Toronto and grab the series lead.
Toronto Maple Leafs Analysis
The Maple Leafs are licking their wounds after watching a 2-0 series lead evaporate into a 2-2 tie. The collapse in South Florida was punctuated by a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss in Game 3, where they blew a two-goal lead, followed by a dismal 2-0 shutout in Game 4. Toronto’s stars have gone cold at the worst possible time. Captain Auston Matthews has yet to find the back of the net in this series, and Mitch Marner has managed just a single shot on goal over the past three games.
Coach Craig Berube is urging his squad to get back to basics: firing more pucks at the net and not waiting for the perfect opportunity. “You never know, it goes off somebody, rebounds… just gotta create chaos,” Berube emphasized.
John Tavares, who started the playoffs on fire with five points in three games, has just two goals in his last six. Toronto will need its offensive firepower to wake up if they hope to protect home ice and avoid falling behind in the series.
Game 5 Prediction:
Momentum is squarely with Florida right now. Their physicality, defensive adjustments, and timely scoring have the Panthers looking like the stronger team. Toronto’s inability to capitalize with its star players is a red flag, especially with the Panthers rolling out their grinding style. Look for Florida to ride their momentum and squeeze out a tight win on the road.
Score Prediction: Panthers 3, Maple Leafs 2
Best Bet: Florida Moneyline (-140)
Total:
Under 6.0 (-125)
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
