Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers May 14th 2025

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Panthers versus the Maple Leafs? The puck drops at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN. The game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. The Panthers are favored by -1.5 in this Atlantic division showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 6 goals.

Florida vs. Toronto Key Information

Teams: Panthers at Maple Leafs
Where: Scotiabank Arena Toronto
Date: Wednesday, May 14th
Betting Odds FLA -137 | TOR +116 O/U 6

The Panthers Can Win If…

Florida improved to 47-31-4 with a 4-2 win over the Stars. The Panthers covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals fell short of the 6.5 goal line.

All four of Florida’s goals came from different players. They led 2-0 before the Stars tied it up, but A.J. Greer’s goal in the third period put the Panthers ahead for good. Sam Reinhart added an empty-net goal to seal the win.

Carolina’s offense put 25 shots on goal in their 4-2 win over Dallas. A.J. Greer netted his first goal of the season, while Sam Reinhart scored his 10th on an empty net. The Panthers also got goals from Evan Rodrigues, his third of the year, and Matthew Tkachuk, who scored his third on a power play.

Carolina’s scoring was spread out, with four different players finding the net. The Panthers recorded 16 giveaways and picked up 6 assists on their four goals.

Florida’s defense gave up two goals to the Stars, both coming in the second period. However, they held firm in the third, helping the Panthers secure a 4-2 win. Spencer Knight made 23 saves with a 92% save percentage, and the defense added 8 takeaways and 22 hits.

Florida has put together a record of 2-1 over their past three games. Across these games, they have put together an puck line mark of 1-2 as well as an over-under record of 2-1.
The Panthers have gone 6-4 over their last ten regular season games. Their record vs the puck line sits at 5-5 in these matchups, while posting a 8-2 over-under mark.

The Maple Leafs Can Win If…

Toronto fell to 52-26-4 after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild. The Maple Leafs trailed early, as Minnesota scored at 9:41 in the first period. William Nylander tied it up with a goal at 19:08 in the first, but the Wild secured the win with a goal at 2:14 in overtime.

Toronto, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover. The total was set at 6 goals, but the teams combined for just 3. Nylander’s goal was the only score for the Maple Leafs, and it came on a power play.

Toronto’s offense managed just one goal in their 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild. William Nylander netted his 9th of the season on a power play at 19:08 in the first period. The Leafs took 28 shots on goal and recorded 10 giveaways.

Auston Matthews picked up his 6th assist, while Mitchell Marner added his 12th. After Nylander’s goal, the Leafs were held scoreless through the second, third, and overtime periods.

Defensively, the Maple Leafs will look to improve after giving up the game-winning goal 2:14 into overtime in their last game. They also allowed the first goal at 9:41 in the first period. Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves with a 93.9% save percentage, while the defense recorded 2 takeaways and 30 hits.

The Maple Leafs have gone 1-2 over their last three regular season games. Against the spread, they have a strong mark of 2-1 along with an over-under record of 2-1.
Across Toronto’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 7-3 to go along with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Lean

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Maple Leafs to take down the Panthers at home. With the moneyline currently at +116, I’m placing my bet on the Maple Leafs straight-up.

Our projections have the Maple Leafs pulling out a win as the underdog. But if you’re not as bullish as we are on the Maple Leafs, we’d recommend at least getting a bet down on them to cover the puck line.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.

Maple Leafs Struggle to Regain Momentum: Game 5 vs. Panthers Could Be Series Turning Point

The Toronto Maple Leafs started strong in their playoff series against the Florida Panthers, but the momentum has dramatically shifted. With the series now tied 2-2, Game 5 looms large for both teams. What was once a commanding position for the Leafs has become a battle to regain control, especially as they head back to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Toronto’s Star Power Falling Short

The Leafs’ biggest concern is the sudden drop in performance from their top offensive players. Auston Matthews, despite being a regular-season scoring machine, has yet to score in this series. Mitch Marner has just one shot on goal over the past three games. Captain John Tavares, once hot in the early postseason, has cooled off significantly with only two goals in the past six games.

Coach’s Strategy: Shoot More, Aim Less

Head coach Craig Berube has publicly emphasized a need for simpler, more direct offensive strategies. “Sometimes your top guys, they’re looking to get too good of a chance… just firing it in there with people going to the net,” he explained. The implication? Less overthinking, more execution.

Goaltending: Woll Steps Up Amid Injuries

Joseph Woll remains Toronto’s go-to netminder, especially with Anthony Stolarz still out with an undisclosed injury from Game 1. Woll held his own in Game 4, stopping 34 of 36 shots, despite limited offensive support from his teammates.

Woll’s maturity and poise have become assets for the Leafs: “I’ve built the confidence that I know I’m capable in those situations,” he said.

Panthers Return to Dominant Form

The Panthers, defending Eastern Conference champions, seemed shaky in the first two games but have bounced back convincingly. Game 4 was a defensive masterclass, holding the Leafs scoreless and limiting their chances with tight checking and relentless forechecking.

Key Contributor: Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett has been pivotal, now leading Florida with five postseason goals. His physicality and scoring touch are key components of Florida’s success. He’s just two goals away from his playoff career high. Take a look at this week’s NHL Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Hockey Handicappers

What’s Changed for Florida?

According to Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, the shift came from a more engaged forward group. “Such a dynamic team, Toronto… if you don’t do enough work from the goal line to your red line, you put the defensemen in a very, very difficult position.” The team’s defensive support system has returned, and it shows in their gameplay.

Looking Ahead: Best-of-Three Begins Now

With the series tied, it’s essentially a best-of-three from here on out. Game 5 is pivotal, not just for momentum but potentially for the entire series outcome. The Leafs must rediscover their attacking rhythm, while the Panthers will aim to maintain their physical dominance and structured defense.

Sam Bennett summed it up best: “It’s now a best-of-three. It can be a fun end of the series, for sure.”

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions May 14th 2025