Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Series Picks and Predictions

Round Two in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs is nearly underway, and one of the most enticing matchups is within the Eastern Conference. The Atlantic-Division-winning Toronto Maple Leafs and defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers meet in the second round for the second time in the last three postseasons, and we are in for a good one.

When these teams met at the same stage in the 2023 playoffs, Florida wasted little time in securing a 4-1 series win. A majority of each team’s core still remains, so that will not be a forgotten triumph on either side.

Both teams are obviously juiced with confidence and momentum, and each will likely fly out of the blocks to set the tone for the series.

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs series betting picks and predictions

Toronto Maple Leafs to win series (+150)

For just the sixth time since 2000, the Maple Leafs have continued past the first round. A motivating result for sure, but this current group has been at it since 2017, and they know this is nowhere near enough. They blundered a strong chance in 2023, and will look to make more of this opportunity.

After gaining a 3-0 series lead in Round One, they lost the next two, forming an extremely dark cloud over the organization and the fans. However, even after two losses they were able to enter a loud road building and secure a win. Continuing to falter and blow the lead completely is what has typically happened in Toronto, but not with this group.

An added skill to the Maple Leafs this year compared to past seasons has been their much stronger defense and more physical play. They have proven to not be bowled over when it comes to this style of game, which is massive against a team who is a leader in the category in Florida.

Finally, the so-called Core Four has all showed up in the playoffs, which has been an issue in the past. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares have combined for 29 points, while the team is getting contributions from many others.

It will be a very tough series, but the Maple Leafs can ultimately continue to fight their demons and move on.

Over 5.5 Series Total Games (-180)

In Round Two in 2023, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers battled hard, but it was over in the blink of an eye after the Panthers won in five games. This time around, expecting a whole different type of series is expected.

In these playoffs, the Panthers have already proven they are among the elite, and show all of the characteristics of a Stanley Cup champion. That means that any hope the Maple Leafs have in moving on, must be accompanied by the best on-ice play they have provided all season. 

With how the regular season and playoffs have played out so far for Toronto, I do believe we will see them at their best. This is a great opportunity that Toronto cannot let go to waste. 

While an argument could be made for either team to win this series, one thing seems clear, it will be an absolute war. Whoever takes the series will unlikely have it won within the first five games.

Over 2.5 Road Wins in Series (-135)

It only took 11 total games for the Maple Leafs and Panthers to combine for eight wins. This does not happen out of nowhere, it happened because these teams found ways to win on the road. 

It is the second-straight series where Florida will not have home ice advantage, but they have already proven able to take care of business wherever they are playing. 

In a combined five road games from these teams, they have gathered four wins. That means we may see no home ice advantage in the series.

This is especially true for Toronto, as there have been storylines about their quiet and anxious fanbase, which was proven by Game Five boos in Round One.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs series odds

Florida Panthers	-180
Toronto Maple Leafs	+150

Read a full breakdown of Panthers vs. Maple Leafs series odds on site.

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.