In this article, we will formulate a Maple Leafs vs Panthers prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 13 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers (40-22-3, 31-34 ATS) were in fine form with six consecutive wins but couldn’t make it seven in a row as they fell short of the Boston Bruins. That loss opened their six-game road trip, while five of six aforementioned wins came at home during a five-game home stand. The Panthers are at the top of the Atlantic Division Standings with 83 points, two ahead of the Maple Leafs and five more than the Lightning.
The Panthers score 3.25 goals per game on average (8th), while they concede 2.69 GPG (8th). This season, Sam Reinhart leads the team with 68 points (32 G and 36 A). Aleksander Barkov has 60 points (17 G and 43 A), while Matthew Tkachuk chips in with 57 points (22 G and 35 A).
Sergei Bobrovsky (27-14-2) is expected to start for the Panthers at the goal on Thursday against the Maple Leafs. The 36-year-old is allowing 2.51 goals per game this year with a .907 SV% and four shutouts.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs (39-22-3, 31-33 ATS) returned home from a three-game road trip on which they lost to Vegas and Colorado and won against Utah in the shootout. Prior to that road trip, the Maple Leafs were on a five-game winning streak, tying their longest of the season. Toronto is 2nd in the Atlantic Division Standings.
The Maple Leafs average 3.20 goals per game this year (10th), while they allow 2.95 GPG (16th). Mitch Marner leads the team with 80 points (21 G and 59 A). William Nylander contributes 66 points (36 G and 20 A), while Auston Matthews has 56 points (23 G and 33 A).
Anthony Stolarz (13-6-3) will likely take his place in the cage for the Maple Leafs on Thursday against the Panthers. The 31-year-old is allowing 2.34 goals per game this year with a .921 SV% and one shutout.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Maple Leafs’ last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Panthers’ last five games has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five games between teams from the same division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last eight home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in six of the Panthers’ last seven games as favorites against the Maple Leafs.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of only three teams to win 10+ games when trailing after Period 1 this season.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of only four teams to win a game when trailing by 3 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
- The Florida Panthers rank 8th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.69).
- The Florida Panthers rank 2nd in the league for shots per game this season (32.0).
Maple Leafs vs Panthers Prediction
The Panthers won seven of the previous H2H encounters, including the first meeting of the season when it was 5-1 in Florida. It’s going to be a very interesting game between two strong sides and it could go either way. I will avoid betting on the winner as I can’t separate these sides at the moment. I am going with goals instead. Florida is without Tkachuk and Brad Marchand, so its offense will be limited. Stolarz is one of the best goalies in the NHL this season when it comes to save percentage and goals allowed per game. I would be surprised if Florida scores more than two goals. The visitors will try to win with their steady defense that allowed no more than a goal in four of the previous five games. I am going with a low-scoring game and Under.