Just like that, the second-round series between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs is tied at two.
After the Maple Leafs stormed to a 2-0 series lead with two wins on home ice, the Panthers matched that and did the same thing. The series now returns to Toronto tied 2-2, and Game 5 is an all-important matchup.
This series has been extremely even, as both teams have shown signs of greatness and underwhelming play. The series is also getting chippier, as many big hits and sneaky plays are causing lots of drama and nothing less is expected in Game 5.
Momentum is clearly in Florida's favor, but Toronto returns to home ice where they have been spectacular. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out, and to get you prepared we are offering our expert Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions and the betting odds for the game.
In the first three games, the goals would not stop coming, totalling 25 goals (8.33 per game). Game 4 was a whole different story, with a total of two goals. Each goaltender had an incredible game, while each roster did not have their most dynamic showing, so things can change.
Starting with the Maple Leafs, their offense has been strong during these playoffs for the most part. They were also shut out once in the first round against the Ottawa Senators, but they were able to respond with four goals the next game. In a crucial game on home ice, Toronto's offense could come back to life.
With Florida's current momentum, they can score lots. They are scoring at the fourth-best clip during these playoffs (3.7 per game), and are proving this is no fluke. We knew Florida had it in them to score more than they did in the regular season, and they are a threat to fill the net every game.
I expect this game to go back and forth, ultimately showing us a high-scoring result similar to the first three games.
Over the past number of playoff appearances for Toronto, the bright spot has easily been William Nylander. He has consistently been their best player, and has shown up in big moments. The same can be said for these playoffs so far, as he leads the team in both goals (six) and points (15).
In Game 4, Nylander was obviously quiet in a shutout loss. He has proven that performances like this are not good enough, especially as he turned over the puck on Florida's second goal.
After scoring five goals in a three-game span, it is clear that Nylander is due to find the back of the net yet again.
In an extremely critical game in front of the home crowd, the Swede can shine again.
It is no secret that Auston Matthews has been very quiet offensively during these playoffs, which is now a trend for the superstar. He has been dominant in other aspects of the game, but his two goals in 10 games this postseason are not good enough.
It is not for a lack of trying, as Matthews leads the Maple Leafs in shots on goal with 35 (3.5 per game) and is trying to generate offense.
Game 5 is obviously crucial, as the winner will be just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
As the captain of the team and one of the NHL's best players, he should have his foot on the gas all game as he looks to lead his team to victory, while potentially breaking his goal drought.
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FLA Panthers | -135 ML |
TOR Maple Leafs | +115 ML |
Puck Line | FLA -1.5 (+185) |
Total | O/U 6.0 |
Auston Matthews (TOR) | +150 |
William Nylander (TOR) | +160 |
John Tavares (TOR) | +180 |
Sam Reinhart (FLA) | +190 |
Matthew Tkachuk (FLA) | +210 |
Aleksander Barkov (FLA) | +210 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.