In this article we will formulate a Panthers vs Maple Leafs prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, February 26th at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers are 29-25-3 this season after they lost to Tampa Bay by a score of 6-1 in their last game. Florida allowed the first five goals in the game and never had a chance in the blowout loss. The Panthers out shot TB by a total of 34-28, won 55.4% of the face-offs, and went 1-6 on the power play in the game. Florida got their lone goal from Samoskevich, while Tarasov stopped 20 out of 25 shots, which was an .800 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Florida defeated the Bruins by a score of 5-4, but lost to the Sabres by a score of 5-3 before that. The Panthers have lost five of their last six games and they are currently last in the Atlantic standings with 61 points. Florida has scored 2.98 goals per game and they have allowed 3.33 goals against per game, while also going 19.1% on the power play and 82.6% on the penalty kill this season. Sam Reinhart has led Florida with 27 goals and 28 assists, while Brad Marchand has added 25 goals and 25 assists. The projected starting goalie for Florida is Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 21-17-1 with a 3.13 goals against average and an .871 save percentage this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 27-22-9 this year after they lost to Tampa Bay by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Toronto cut the deficit to 4-2 late in the third period, but couldn’t get any closer in the loss. The Maple Leafs were out shot by a total of 36-34, won 54.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Toronto got goals from Knies and Tavares, while Stolarz stopped 32 out of 36 shots, which was an .889 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Toronto defeated the Oilers by a score of 5-2 and the Flames by a score of 4-2. The Maple Leafs have won three of their last four games and they are currently second to last in the Atlantic standings with 63 points. Toronto has scored 3.28 goals per game and they have allowed 3.39 goals against per game, while also going 18.8% on the power play and 83.7% on the penalty kill this season. William Nylander has led Toronto with 18 goals and 36 assists, while Auston Matthews has added 26 goals and 23 assists. The projected starting goalie for Toronto is Joseph Woll, who is 13-7-4 with a 2.92 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this year.
Why the Florida Panthers will win
- The Panthers have won each of their last four night games at Amerant Bank Arena following a road loss.
- The Maple Leafs have lost six of their last seven road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Panthers have covered the puck line in five of their last six night games following a road loss.
- The Maple Leafs have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last 10 games.
- The Panthers have won the second period in each of their last seven games as home favorites against Atlantic Division opponents when trailing after the first period.
Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win
- The Panthers have lost six of their last seven games as home favorites.
- The underdogs have won six of the Panthers’ last seven games at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last 10 games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Panthers’ last seven games at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The Panthers have lost the third period in each of their last six games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Panthers’ last seven night games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the last six games between two teams from the Atlantic Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Maple Leafs’ last five night games at Amerant Bank Arena have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last 12 games as home favorites.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last nine games as underdogs.
Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Carter Verhaeghe has scored a goal in five of his last six home appearances against the Maple Leafs.
- Sam Reinhart has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Panthers’ last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents at Amerant Bank Arena.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Knies has scored at least one goal in each of the Maple Leafs’ last four games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Auston Matthews has recorded an assist in each of the Maple Leafs’ last four games.
Panthers vs Maple Leafs Prediction
Toronto comes into this matchup after losing to Tampa Bay on Wednesday, so they will be on a back to back here. The Maple Leafs are 11-13-3 on the road this year, while the Panthers are 15-13-3 at home. Florida has lost five of their last six games and they have allowed 15 goals in their last three. The Panthers have had major defensive issues all season, so I think we have some value on Toronto with the plus money. Take the Maple Leafs here.