Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs 5/4/2023 Analysis, Odds and Free Picks
East 2nd Round – Game 2, FLA leads series 1-0
As a sports writer, Game Two between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially after the Panthers’ 4-2 triumph in the first game. The Panthers will be eager to capitalize on their victory and extend their lead in the series with another away win, while the Maple Leafs will be determined to come back strongly and level the score.
The Panthers’ attack was in top form in Game One, with star players such as Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Aleksander Barkov all making important contributions, racking up a goal and six assists between them. Other players, including Nick Cousins, Anthony Duclair, and Carter Verhaeghe, also played their part, adding to the goal tally. Even Brandon Montour, a defenseman, got in on the act, scoring a crucial goal from the point.
Despite the offense’s impressive display, the Panthers’ defense was equally impressive, conceding only two goals and keeping the Maple Leafs scoreless in the final period. Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad led the top line, with Brandon Montour, Radko Gudas, and Marc Staal providing backup, blocking the Maple Leafs’ shots. Sergei Bobrovsky was also instrumental in securing the win, making 34 saves from 36 shots.
- The Florida Panthers are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games on the road against Toronto.
- The total went OVER in 5 of Florida’s last 7 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- The total hung OVER in 5 of Florida’s last 7 matches against an opponent in the Atlantic Division.
Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs 5/4/2023 Analysis, Odds and Free Picks
The Maple Leafs need to find their scoring touch in Game Two of the Second Round after being held to just two goals in the opener. The team was on fire in the First Round, scoring 23 goals in six games. But they ran into a wall against the Panthers, with only Michael Bunting, Auston Matthews, and Ryan O’Reilly getting on the scoresheet. The rest of the offense was silent, especially the star trio of Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares, who combined for eight goals and 17 assists in the First Round but were shut out in Game One.
The Maple Leafs also need to tighten up their defense in Game Two, as they gave up four goals in the loss. Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and T.J. Brodie was solid on the top pair, but the rest of the defensemen had trouble containing the Panthers’ speed and skill. They gave up too many open shots and left goaltender Ilya Samsonov exposed. Samsonov had a rough night, letting in four goals on 28 shots.
- Toronto is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
- The total went OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 7 games played in May.
- The total stayed UNDER in 7 of Toronto’s last 9 games played on a Thursday.
Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs. The NHL pick for this game is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Florida is looking to extend their playoff winning streak to five games as they face Toronto in game two. The Panthers have been lighting up the scoreboard, with at least 4 goals in each of their last four wins. Toronto has had trouble scoring in their last three playoff games, with two goals or less in each of them. Florida is a great bet as a big underdog. Prediction: The Florida Panthers will win 5-2.
NHL Starting Time: 7:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Scotiabank Arena, ON, CAN
Date: Thursday, May 4, 2023
TV: TNT
NHL Odds: Toronto Maple Leafs -185
NHL Totals: 6.5
