Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions May 16th 2025

Florida Panthers Eye Series Win in Game 6 After Dominant Game 5

The Florida Panthers are on the verge of another deep playoff run after dismantling the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference second-round series. With the best-of-seven now tilted 3-2 in Florida’s favor, the Panthers have a chance to close it out on home ice in Game 6 on Friday night in Sunrise, Florida.

But as coach Paul Maurice warns, nothing is guaranteed.

“I’m not a big believer in momentum,” Maurice said. “The series is closer than you think.”

Panthers Riding High: Three Straight Wins and Balanced Offense

Florida has flipped the script dramatically, winning three straight after falling behind early in the series. A notable highlight? The sheer depth of their scoring lineup. Seventeen different Panthers have registered goals this postseason—a feat unmatched since the 1993 LA Kings.

Key contributors include:

• A.J. Greer and Jonah Gadjovich—unsung heroes bringing energy and key goals.
• Consistent depth scoring supporting Florida’s offensive push.

Maurice highlighted the importance of these depth players:

“They work hard and they don’t get the spotlight, but it’s special when they get those moments.”

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Sergei Bobrovsky’s Goaltending Masterclass

A key factor in Florida’s recent dominance has been the performance of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Over the past two games, he’s allowed just one goal. His series stats (7-3 record, 2.46 GAA, .899 save percentage) mirror his regular season, signaling elite consistency.

Bobrovsky has particularly stifled Auston Matthews, Toronto’s star forward, who hasn’t scored in five games and is scoreless in his last two.

“He makes those big stops for us,” said teammate Sam Reinhart. “You need those timely saves in the playoffs.”

Toronto Maple Leafs: On the Ropes After Crushing Loss

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reeling after their worst defeat since a 9-3 loss in December 2023. Game 5 was their first major breakdown this series, both tactically and mentally.

“There were mistakes, a lot of them,” said Toronto coach Craig Berube. “It’s the way they happened that’s most disappointing.”

Despite the setback, Toronto’s stars remain resilient.

Matthews and Marner on Reset Mode

• Auston Matthews: “We just have to regroup. There’s confidence in this group.”
• Mitch Marner: “We didn’t play our game in Game 5. That’s what happens against a team like Florida.”

The Leafs will be without goaltender Anthony Stolarz again, who remains sidelined with an upper-body injury suffered in Game 1. Don’t Forget to Check our Daily NHL Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

Strategic Outlook for Game 6

For the Panthers:

• Maintain defensive structure in front of Bobrovsky.
• Continue spreading offensive contributions across all lines.

For the Leafs:

Lean on past resilience to rally from adversity.

Reinforce defensive systems and reduce turnovers.

Get Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner firing again.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Clash Looms

The Panthers have the momentum, home ice, and confidence to finish the series. But the Maple Leafs have a history of comebacks and enough firepower to flip the script. Game 6 could be the most intense game yet in this thrilling Eastern Conference showdown.