Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Florida Panthers taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs in this pivotal Game 5 of their second-round series. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Series Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-2 Maple Leafs
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN, TVAS, Sportsnet, CBC
This series between the Panthers and the Maple Leafs is now a best-of-three. In today’s NHL predictions, we look at an important Game 5 that could tell the tale of this series. Toronto jumped out to a 2-0 series lead, but Florida has evened up the series with the last two games in being in Sunrise.
Momentum has shifted over to the Cats, but they have yet to beat the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. As Doc Emrick said it will be a “pivotal Game 5” between the two teams.
Let’s take a look at the stats and storylines heading into this Game in our NHL predictions.
The Panthers Story
Florida has seemingly turned things around after dropping the first two games in Canada’s largest city. Sergei Bobrovsky has looked like his old self in goal after some shaky starts in the Six. The Panthers are starting to look like the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
One thing that Florida has is plenty of scoring depth. The Panthers have eight different players tied for the team-lead in points with eight. That scoring depth can be a problem for the Leafs’ defence, as it can’t focus on one single line. Sam Bennett is the team’s leader in goals for Florida so far with five.
The Maple Leafs Story
The main question is who will be in goal for the Maple Leafs. Joseph Woll has done his best, but Toronto fans are hoping to see Anthony Stolarz return at some point in the series. Stolarz did return to the ice on Tuesday, but his timeline to return to the crease is still unknown.
William Nylander leads the team in goals (6) and points (15) and Mitch Marner is tops in assists with 10. However, the main concern is getting Auston Matthews going. The American needs to get on track if Toronto wants to regain the series-lead.
Prediction
Home ice is important, but the momentum is clearly on Florida’s side. The Panthers have the scoring depth and have sorted things out on the defensive end.
Toronto will need Matthews and others to step up if they want to wrest control in this series. There’s a lot of emotion in this series and the Panthers should continue their roll.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for this matchup is 5.5 and we think the under is the right play in this one.
For individual props, take Sam Reinhart to score a goal in this one for Florida. As for Toronto, go with John Tavares to get an assist in this one in front of his hometown fans.
Main photo by: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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