Prediction, odds, and suggested pick for the opening match of Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025 between the Panthers and Maple Leafs

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Let's dive into Game 1 of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Florida Panthers square off against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. Here's our take on this cracking matchup as we continue our Stanley Cup Playoffs predictions.

The Panthers sneaked past the Tampa Bay Lightning in their First Round series in five grueling games, including three victories at Amalie Arena. In contrast, the Maple Leafs eliminated the Ottawa Senators in six hard-fought games, clinching the series at Canada Tire Centre.

The Panthers clinched the season series 3-1. Interestingly, the Panthers have already registered a win at Scotiabank Arena this season, triumphing 3-2 on March 13. Last season, the Panthers ousted the Maple Leafs 4-1 in the Playoffs, sending the Leafs packing early. What will the story be this time around?

2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds: Panthers-Maple Leafs Game 1

Here are the odds, courtesy of FanDuel:***

Florida Panthers: -1.5 (+198)
Moneyline: -125
Toronto Maple Leafs: +1.5 (-250)
Moneyline: +104
Over: 5.5 (-104)
Under:

How To Watch Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 1

Time: 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
TV: ESPN, SportsNet, CBC, and TVAS
*Watch NHL games LIVE with fuboTV (Save $30)*

Why the Panthers Will Triumph

The Panthers have been unstoppable, living up to their world-beating potential. Despite a shaky entry into the 2025 Playoffs, the Cats are now the favorites, and rightly so, as few trust the Maple Leafs until they prove their mettle.

Matthew Tkachuk sparkled in the Playoffs, bagging three goals and two assists for the Panthers. Sam Reinhart chipped in with two goals and four assists, while Aleksander Barkov added one goal and four helpers. Brad Marchand tallied four assists, and Sam Bennett scored three goals and two assists.

But the Panthers' success goes beyond their stars. Eetu Luostarinen led the Panthers in their decisive Game 5 win over the Lightning, netting four points, while Carter Verhaeghe contributed two goals and one assist.

Goaltender Sergei Borbovsky went 4-1 in the series, posting a 2.21 goals-against average and a save percentage of .901. Although he wasn't flawless in this series, his defense restricted opponents' shots, allowing Borbovsky to make crucial saves.

For the Panthers to cover the spread and take victory, their four lines must continue moving the puck and creating outstanding scoring opportunities. The defense must hold strong, and Borbovsky must confidently deny puck-getting chances.

Why the Maple Leafs Will Triumph

Maple Leafs supporters rejoiced at their team's entry into the Second Round following their triumph over the Senators. But now, the Leafs must tackle the defending champions.

Auston Matthews has a crucial role in this series, arriving in form with two goals and five assists in the Playoffs. Mitchell Marner must amplify his scoresheet, boasting one goal and seven assists.

William Nylander nearly missed out on the action due to a silly error that almost jeopardized the Maple Leafs' season. Nevertheless, he played, earning three goals and six assists after his contribution. John Tavares racked up three goals and two assists. To clinch the W, the Leafs need additional scoring from their other forwards. Matthew Knies will be vital in this series, with two goals under his belt.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz has delivered solid performances in the Playoffs, boasting a 4-2 record, a 2.21 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .901. However, Stolarz needs to up his game, and the defense must prevent the Panthers from gaining easy shooting opportunities.

For the Maple Leafs to cover the spread and triumph, their top players must find ways to evade a tough defense and generate excellent scoring opportunities. They must steer clear of taking ill-advised penalties and avoid conceding an early lead to the Panthers.

Panthers-Maple Leafs Game 1 Prediction & Pick

Last season, the Panthers started the Second Round with a thud, succumbing 5-1 to the Boston Bruins in Game 1. Somewhat amusingly, the last time the Leafs played a Game 1 was two seasons ago against the Panthers when they lost 4-2 at home. Will history repeat itself? Let's delve into the numbers.

The Panthers have played admirably on defense, containing one of the best offenses in the NHL and winning all three road games. In contrast, the Leafs have shown inconsistency, going 2-1 at home while struggling to subdue the Senators. Until the Leafs show they can get the job done, it's tough to put faith in them. Therefore, we're placing our bets on the Panthers to cover the spread and secure a victory in Game 1 on the road.

Final Panthers-Maple Leafs Game 1 Prediction & Pick: Florida Panthers: -1.5 (+198)

Enrichment Data:- Betting Odds Insight: Based on the analysis by Matthew Cobb, a sports betting expert, the Maple Leafs have rallied from deficits to win both Games 1 and 2 at home against the Panthers last season, despite the Panthers being favored to win the series overall at -175 [Cobb, 2025].- Series Odds: The Panthers were the favorites to win the series at odds around -175 to win the series, suggesting a high chance of success [NHL.com, 2025].

Sources:[Cobb, M. (2025). Maple Leafs vs. Panthers Game 1 Playoff Odds and Predictions. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/SportsCrypt/status/1556100727879874561][NHL.com. (2025). Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, an NHL Game Prediction. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-vs-toronto-maple-leafs-an-nhl-game-prediction/c-324975448]

The Panthers have won two of their previous four meetings with the Maple Leafs in the playoffs, including a 4-1 series victory last season.
Eetu Luostarinen's four-point performance in Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning has boosted the Panthers' offensive depth beyond their stars.
FanDuel has set the opening line for Game 1 of the Panthers-Maple Leafs series with the Panthers as -1.5 point favorites, indicating that they are expected to win by more than one goal.