NHL Eastern Conference Semifinal Playoff Game 1 Preview: Florida Panthers (0-0) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (0-0)

The Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to clash in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday, May 5, at 8:00 PM ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. This matchup marks the second time in three years that these teams meet in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Florida having eliminated Toronto in five games back in 2023.

Team Overview & Season Performance

Toronto Maple Leafs (52-26-4)

• Regular Season Record: 52 wins, 26 losses, 4 overtime losses
• Playoff Performance: Defeated Ottawa Senators in six games in the first round
• Key Players:
  • William Nylander (9 points in Round 1)
  • Mitch Marner (8 points)
  • Auston Matthews (7 points)
  • John Tavares (3 goals)
  • Anthony Stolarz (4-2 record, 2.21 GAA, .901 SV%)

Florida Panthers (47-31-4)

• Regular Season Record: 47 wins, 31 losses, 4 overtime losses
• Playoff Performance: Eliminated Tampa Bay Lightning in five games
• Key Players:
  • Sam Reinhart (6 points in Round 1)
  • Matthew Tkachuk (5 points)
  • Sam Bennett (5 points)
  • Aleksander Barkov (5 points)
  • Sergei Bobrovsky (4-1 record, 2.21 GAA, .901 SV%)

Head-to-Head Matchup

• Season Series: Florida won 3-1, outscoring Toronto 13-7.
• Special Teams:
  • Florida 5-for-11 on the power play vs. Toronto this season
  • Toronto 1-for-9 on the power play vs. Florida
• Defensive Battle: Florida’s aggressive forecheck and defensive structure have been key in limiting opponents, while Toronto’s improved blue line and goaltending could be the difference-maker.

Key Storylines

1. Toronto’s Revenge Mission – The Maple Leafs are looking to avenge their 2023 playoff loss to Florida, where they struggled offensively and failed to score more than two goals in any game.
2. Florida’s Championship Pedigree – The Panthers are the defending Stanley Cup champions and have won seven of their last eight playoff series over the past two years.
3. Goaltending Duel – Stolarz has been solid for Toronto, but Bobrovsky’s playoff experience could be a deciding factor.
4. Physicality & Special Teams – Florida’s gritty style, led by Tkachuk, Bennett, and Marchand, could frustrate Toronto’s top scorers. However, if the Leafs can draw penalties, their power play could be a game-changer.

Game Odds

Florida Panthers               – 125

Toronto Maple Leafs      5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, May 4, 2025