Toronto (2-0) at Florida (0-2)
- When: May 9 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL, USA
- TV: TNT
Maple Leafs vs. Panthers Game 3 Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Florida (-230) | Total: 6.0
The Toronto Maple Leafs head into Game 3 with a commanding 2-0 series lead over the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. The series now shifts to Sunrise, Florida, where the Panthers will try to turn things around on their home ice. Despite Florida being favored, Toronto has been the more composed and effective team so far, finding different ways to win in each of the first two games.
Toronto Maple Leafs Overview
Toronto has looked sharp to start this series, claiming a 5-4 win in Game 1 and a 4-3 comeback victory in Game 2. The Leafs have been resilient, adjusting their play style to match the game flow. In the opener, they led from the start and held off a late Panthers surge. In the second contest, it was Mitch Marner’s clutch third-period goal that sealed the comeback win.
The Leafs are currently riding the hot hand of Joseph Woll in goal, stepping up admirably after Anthony Stolarz went down with an injury in Game 1. Woll, who posted a 2.73 GAA in 41 starts during the regular season, hasn’t missed a beat in the playoffs, winning his last four postseason starts dating back to last year. His confidence and readiness have been evident, especially as the Maple Leafs are looking to snap their lengthy streak of failing to advance past the second round since 2002.
Offensively, William Nylander has been a standout, scoring three goals and adding one assist in this series alone. Including Toronto’s first-round battle with the Ottawa Senators, Nylander now boasts six goals and seven assists in just eight playoff games. However, the Leafs are still waiting for breakout performances from Auston Matthews and John Tavares, who have been surprisingly quiet so far.
Florida Panthers Overview
The Panthers find themselves in a tough spot, trailing 0-2 as the series shifts to their home rink. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was stellar in the first round against Tampa Bay, allowing just 11 goals over five games, but he has struggled against Toronto, surrendering nine goals in two games, with eight of those coming at even strength. Florida’s defensive lapses have been exposed, and they’ll need to tighten up if they hope to claw back into this series.
The Panthers’ offensive stars have been notably absent. Sam Reinhart, who led the team with 39 goals and 81 points during the regular season, has yet to register a point in the series. Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Gustav Forsling have combined for just two points, a major concern for a team that relies on their production. Surprisingly, it’s been Florida’s third line that has carried the load offensively, with Anton Lundell, Brad Marchand, and Eetu Luostarinen each chipping in with a goal and two assists.
Brad Marchand, who is no stranger to playoff battles with Toronto from his days with the Bruins, emphasized the need for better defensive play: “The biggest threat is that Toronto is very good on the rush. It doesn’t take much for them to score. We have to be nearly perfect defensively.”
Prediction and Final Score
The Maple Leafs have displayed more consistency and composure so far in this series. Florida’s defensive breakdowns and Bobrovsky’s struggles suggest Toronto has a clear edge going into Game 3. The Panthers will need to make major adjustments, especially defensively, to contain Toronto’s transition game.
Final Score Prediction: Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 2
Best Bet: Toronto ML (+195) – Look for Toronto to continue its momentum, potentially taking a 3-0 series lead.
Total: Under 6.0 (-120) – Expect the Under 6.0 to hit as both teams prioritize defensive structure after high-scoring games to start the series.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
