Category: NHL

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs best bets Game 2: Back Toronto to score, props on Bennett and Matthews

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs best bets

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers meet for Game 2 on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: All eyes will be on Sam Bennett as the Panthers look to level the series. The forward had a contentious collision with Anthony Stolarz, causing Toronto’s netminder to leave the game and exit the arena on a stretcher.

Check out my Panthers vs. Maple Leafs best bets for Game 2 of the second round, featuring Bennett and Auston Matthews.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs best bets

Best Bet: Bennett to record a point (-112)

Bennett is the ultimate agitator and has mastered the “accidentally-on-purpose” brand of hockey.

His incident with Stolarz marked the third consecutive postseason where Bennett took an opposing player out of the series without facing supplemental discipline:

Whether or not he intended to injure Stolarz or simply get in his kitchen is up for debate, and I’ll leave it at that.

What I do know is that Bennett isn’t just on the Panthers to create havoc.

The forward can hurt the opposition on the score sheet and has been Florida’s most productive player this postseason (team ranks in parentheses):

  • 6 points (1st)
  • 24 shots (1st)
  • 37 chances (1st)
  • 2.78 xG (1st)
  • 8 high-danger chances (2nd)

Bennett scored a goal and had seven shots in Game 1. He has every opportunity to stay hot playing on the top power play and riding with Matthew Tkachuk on the second line.

Key stat: Bennett is 14-6 against this line in his last 20 playoff games (5-1 this postseason).

Game 2 picks

Maple Leafs over 2.5 goals (-127): Toronto’s offence exploded in the series opener, netting three goals in the first period en route to a 5-4 win.

Do I expect that to happen again? No. But this total should still be well within reach.

The Maple Leafs are 6-1 against this line during the postseason. Two of those games were won 3-2 in overtime against the Ottawa Senators, but a win’s a win.

Toronto’s “Core Four” is finally showing up in the postseason, and Sergei Bobrovsky hasn’t been great after stonewalling the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first two games of the postseason.

In four games since, he has allowed 14 goals on 86 shots (.837 SV%, 1-3 vs. this line).

I’m also expecting a tight whistle after Monday’s extracurriculars, meaning both teams should see plenty of power-play looks.

Matthews over 3.5 shots (-134): Matthews isn’t scoring like he used to, and you could chalk that up to lingering injury, bad luck, or just poor play.

Toronto’s captain posted a career-low 33 goals with a 12.6% shooting percentage this season. He has two goals (one on a practically empty net) with a 7.7 SH% in the playoffs.

But he’s still generating a boatload of chances, which is what I’m keying in on.

Matthews had five shots in the series opener. He’s had at least three shots in six of seven playoff games so far and is 3-4 vs. this line.

He’s leading the team with 54 chances (i.e., shot attempts) in the playoffs, 15 more than second-place William Nylander.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs best bets made at 10:05 a.m. ET 05/07/2025.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Game 2: Bet on John Tavares and Brad Marchand

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers run it back on Wednesday night after an exciting series opener.

The pregame narrative: The Leafs jumped out to a 4-1 lead before drama struck and Anthony Stolarz was removed with an injury. Toronto held on for a 5-4 win, but all eyes will be on the status of the goaltender before Game 2.

Brad Marchand and John Tavares are the targets of my Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks for Game 2 on May 7.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Marchand to register a point (+115)

The Panthers came out flat in Game 1, allowing the Leafs to gain a 4-1 lead before this play that resulted in Stolarz leaving the game.

After that, Florida went on to score three goals in a comeback effort that ultimately fell short.

I do believe that was a shift in momentum for Florida, regardless of the controversy, and a much better effort should be shown out of the gate on Wednesday.

Marchand saw regression this season, tallying just 51 points — his lowest total since 2014-15.

But the Panthers acquired him for the postseason, and he’s met expectations so far:

  • 6 games
  • 6 points
  • 4-2 against this line

Marchand was a big part of Florida’s third-period surge on Monday. He had two assists in the final frame.

And let’s not forget about his extensive success in the playoffs against the Leafs.

Key stat: In 28 career playoff games vs. Toronto, he’s logged 31 points. No player has recorded more playoff points against Toronto during that time.

Game 1 prop prediction

Tavares over 2.5 shots (-112): The former captain isn’t the first option on the Leafs, but he’s a beast down low in the offensive zone. That results in a lot of shot attempts.

In the series against the Ottawa Senators, he recorded 16 shots, going 4-2 on this wager.

He started this round the right way, too. He had four shots on goal in Game 1.

It’s also nice to see that Monday was the most minutes Tavares has seen in these playoffs (21:38). In fact, that’s the most he’s played in a game since Nov. 16.

I don’t think that’s a coincidence, as it appears Craig Berube likes the second-line matchup in this series more than the first.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks made at 5:01 p.m. ET 05/06/2025.

NHL playoff anytime goalscorer picks May 6: Back Connor McDavid to make his in series opener

NHL anytime goal picks

The Stanley Cup playoffs continue on Tuesday, and I have multiple picks from the action.

Today’s MLB props narrative: The Washington Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes for Game 1 of the second round. Later on, the Edmonton Oilers ride their momentum into their series opener against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Check out the best NHL anytime goal picks for May 6, which include picks on Andrei Svechnikov and Connor McDavid.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: McDavid to score (+155)

The Vegas Golden Knights handled business in their opening series with the Minnesota Wild, but not without resistance.

Minnesota won two games, led largely by Kirill Kaprizov, who scored five goals in the series. The team’s other top player, Matthew Boldy, also scored five times.

The point is that Vegas was vulnerable to the skill and speed of the Wild’s best players.

That brings me to Leon Draisaitl and McDavid. The electric duo combined for 21 points in six games against the Los Angeles Kings last round.

Both are good choices to do damage tonight, but I’ll back the captain at a better price.

His 8.7% shooting percentage against the Kings was much lower than his season average (13.3%). An uptick in goals should be imminent.

Key stat: McDavid led the Oilers with 23 shots in that series.

NHL prop predictions

Svechnikov to score (+200): Sebastian Aho paces the Carolina Hurricanes with eight points in these playoffs.

Five of those eight points were assists — three of which came on goals scored by Svechnikov.

The left winger accompanies Aho on the first line and the top power-play unit.

That’s led to a bunch of scoring opportunities. Svechnikov had eight more shots (22) than anyone else on the Hurricanes.

Washington allowed five power-play goals on 15 tries against the Montreal Canadiens (66.7% penalty kill). Carolina went 6-for-19 with the man advantage (31.6%) against the Devils.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 9:27 a.m. ET on 05/06/2025.

NHL playoff anytime goalscorer picks May 6: Back Connor McDavid to make his in series opener

NHL anytime goal picks

The Stanley Cup playoffs continue on Tuesday, and I have multiple picks from the action.

Today’s MLB props narrative: The Washington Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes for Game 1 of the second round. Later on, the Edmonton Oilers ride their momentum into their series opener against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Check out the best NHL anytime goal picks for May 6, which include picks on Andrei Svechnikov and Connor McDavid.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: McDavid to score (+155)

The Vegas Golden Knights handled business in their opening series with the Minnesota Wild, but not without resistance.

Minnesota won two games, led largely by Kirill Kaprizov, who scored five goals in the series. The team’s other top player, Matthew Boldy, also scored five times.

The point is that Vegas was vulnerable to the skill and speed of the Wild’s best players.

That brings me to Leon Draisaitl and McDavid. The electric duo combined for 21 points in six games against the Los Angeles Kings last round.

Both are good choices to do damage tonight, but I’ll back the captain at a better price.

His 8.7% shooting percentage against the Kings was much lower than his season average (13.3%). An uptick in goals should be imminent.

Key stat: McDavid led the Oilers with 23 shots in that series.

Embed: #113457

NHL prop predictions

Svechnikov to score (+190): Sebastian Aho paces the Carolina Hurricanes with eight points in these playoffs.

Five of those eight points were assists — three of which came on goals scored by Svechnikov.

The left winger accompanies Aho on the first line and the top power-play unit.

That’s led to a bunch of scoring opportunities. Svechnikov had eight more shots (22) than anyone else on the Hurricanes.

Washington allowed five power-play goals on 15 tries against the Montreal Canadiens (66.7% penalty kill). Carolina went 6-for-19 with the man advantage (31.6%) against the Devils.

NHL anytime goal picks made at 9:27 a.m. ET on 05/06/2025.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights prop picks Game 1: Bet on Hertl, Perry in Tuesday’s series opener

Oilers vs. Golden Knights picks

The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights begin their second-round series on Tuesday night.

The pregame narrative: Edmonton managed to out-score its goaltending issues against the Los Angeles Kings, but it’s fair to wonder how long that will last. The battle-tested Golden Knights can score in bunches and are favoured to win the series opener in Las Vegas.

Check out my Oilers vs. Golden Knights prop picks on Tomas Hertl and Corey Perry for Game 1 on May 6.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights picks

Best bet: Hertl to score (+175)

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl once again willed their team to victory in the opening round. They combined for 21 points in six games.

And Edmonton needed that type of firepower because its goaltenders were awful.

  • Stuart Skinner got shelled through the first two games of the series, allowing 11 goals on 58 shots (6.11 GAA, .810 SV%).
  • Calvin Pickard came in relief for the following four games (all wins) but wasn’t much better, posting a 2.93 GAA and .893 SV%.

It’s unclear who will get the net on Tuesday. Each goaltender logged the “starter’s role” in a practice leading up to the game. But based on their struggles, I don’t think it matters much.

Hertl is my pick to score for the Golden Knights. He buried 32 goals this season and scored in three of six games against the Minnesota Wild.

The William Karlsson-Jack Eichel-Mark Stone line should have the unenviable job of shadowing McDavid and Draisaitl. That means Hertl will get a better matchup.

Key stat: Hertl’s nine high-danger chances and 1.73 xG ranked third among Golden Knights skaters in the first round, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Game 1 prop prediction

Perry to record a point (+125): Perry isn’t the player he used to be, but that doesn’t matter when he’s skating alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.

That trio logged 42:49 of 5v5 ice time together against L.A. and out-chanced the opposition 62-to-29, good for a 68.13% Corsi rate.

For reference, McDavid and Draisaitl hold -500 and -360 odds to find the stat sheet in Game 1.

Perry doesn’t play nearly as much of those two, as Kris Knoblauch tends to mix up the lines mid-game. So it makes sense you can get him at favourable odds.

But I’m surprised Perri is sitting at plus money, considering he’s also getting minutes on Edmonton’s top powerplay.

That unit went 5-for-7 from Games 3-6 after being held scoreless in the first two games.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights prop picks made at 8:13 a.m. ET 05/06/2025.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights prop picks Game 1: Bet on Hertl, Perry in Tuesday’s series opener

Oilers vs. Golden Knights picks

The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights begin their second-round series on Tuesday night.

The pregame narrative: Edmonton managed to out-score its goaltending issues against the Los Angeles Kings, but it’s fair to wonder how long that will last. The battle-tested Golden Knights can score in bunches and are favoured to win the series opener in Las Vegas.

Check out my Oilers vs. Golden Knights prop picks on Tomas Hertl and Corey Perry for Game 1 on May 6.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights picks

Best bet: Hertl to score (+180)

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl once again willed their team to victory in the opening round. They combined for 21 points in six games.

And Edmonton needed that type of firepower because its goaltenders were awful.

  • Stuart Skinner got shelled through the first two games of the series, allowing 11 goals on 58 shots (6.11 GAA, .810 SV%).
  • Calvin Pickard came in relief for the following four games (all wins) but wasn’t much better, posting a 2.93 GAA and .893 SV%.

It’s unclear who will get the net on Tuesday. Each goaltender logged the “starter’s role” in a practice leading up to the game. But based on their struggles, I don’t think it matters much.

Hertl is my pick to score for the Golden Knights. He buried 32 goals this season and scored in three of six games against the Minnesota Wild.

The William Karlsson-Jack Eichel-Mark Stone line should have the unenviable job of shadowing McDavid and Draisaitl. That means Hertl will get a better matchup.

Key stat: Hertl’s nine high-danger chances and 1.73 xG ranked third among Golden Knights skaters in the first round, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Embed: #113448

Game 1 prop prediction

Perry to record a point (+125): Perry isn’t the player he used to be, but that doesn’t matter when he’s skating alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.

That trio logged 42:49 of 5v5 ice time together against L.A. and out-chanced the opposition 62-to-29, good for a 68.13% Corsi rate.

For reference, McDavid and Draisaitl hold -500 and -360 odds to find the stat sheet in Game 1.

Perry doesn’t play nearly as much of those two, as Kris Knoblauch tends to mix up the lines mid-game. So it makes sense you can get him at favourable odds.

But I’m surprised Perri is sitting at plus money, considering he’s also getting minutes on Edmonton’s top powerplay.

That unit went 5-for-7 from Games 3-6 after being held scoreless in the first two games.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights prop picks made at 4:43 p.m. ET 05/05/2025.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs SGP predictions Game 1: Bet on Matthews and Marchand at +400

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers reignite their rivalry in Game 1 on Monday.

The pregame narrative: The Maple Leafs return to the second round for the second time in the “Core Four” era, facing the same opponent as in 2023, when Florida bested Toronto in five games. Both teams got out to 2-0 series leads in the opening round and look to start on the right foot again.

Auston Matthews and Brad Marchand are featured in my Panthers vs. Maple Leafs playoff SGP predictions for Game 1 on May 5.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions

Parlay: Under 7.5 goals | Matthews to score 1+ points | Marchand to score 1+ points (+400)

Under 7.5 goals (-480): Toronto’s first game of the playoffs was a barn-burning 6-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. But since then, Craig Berube’s team has committed to playing low-event hockey.

Each of the Maple Leafs’ next five games went under this total, with three featuring four or fewer goals in regulation. And with the defending champs in town, I expect nothing short of a war.

Anthony Stolarz was solid in his first playoff series as a starter, posting a 2.21 GAA and .901 SV%. Those were identical numbers to Sergei Bobrovsky, who has multiple Vezina Trophies under his belt.

I don’t expect either goaltender to be unsolvable on Monday, but I do believe teasing this game total up a few goals gives enough wiggle room.

So far in the playoffs, Toronto (22.61) and Florida (22.4) have allowed the third-fewest and second-fewest shots against per 60, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Embed: #113408

NHL SGP legs

Matthews to score 1+ points (-265): Matthews was invisible the last time he played Florida in the playoffs, logging just two assists in a series Toronto lost, 4-1.

But the Maple Leafs’ captain had a productive opening round, and I expect that to continue:

  • 2 goals, 5 assists
  • 26 scoring chances (6th in playoffs)
  • 3.32 expected goals (9th in playoffs)

Matthew was 5-1 in this prop market vs. Ottawa, and his line with Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies generated a team-high 58 chances.

He also logged three points on a power play, which had a 35.3% success rate (third-best in playoffs).

Marchand to score 1+ points (+128): Toronto managed to avoid its boogeyman in the Boston Bruins this season, but it couldn’t escape that team’s long-time catalyst, Marchand.

The veteran winger has new threads and a smaller role with Florida, but he’s been effective.

  • Marchand had four points in the opening round, cashing this bet in back-to-back games to close out Tampa Bay.
  • He has points in six of 10 games dating back to the regular season, including a game against Toronto where he logged an assist.

Marchand personifies all of the Maple Leafs’ playoff demons, and I expect him to be a menace all series long.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions made at 10:00 a.m. ET 05/05/2025.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Game 1: Back Matthew Knies in Monday’s series opener

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers begin their second-round series on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena.

The pregame narrative: Starting on the right foot will be key for the Maple Leafs, who aim to advance to the conference finals for the first time in the “Core Four” era. The reigning champion Panthers have been to back-to-back Stanley Cup finals and are favoured to win the series opener.

Matthew Knies is my best Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop pick for Game 1 on May 5.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Knies to register a point (-129)

Toronto’s Core Four has become a Fab Five with how Knies is playing.

The third-year winger broke out with a career-high 29 goals and 58 points this season. Knies flashed his scoring touch in the opening round with three goals against the Ottawa Senators, including this beauty in Game 4:

https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1916289757711081488

His physicality and size are exactly what Toronto needs going up against a team like Florida, and I expect Craig Berube to lean on the youngster.

Of course, Knies will get plenty of minutes regardless while playing alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the top line.

That unit generated a team-high 58 chances and 2.89 xG in the opening round, per Natural Stat Trick.

Knies is also on the team’s first power-play unit, which clicked at a 35.3% rate against Ottawa (second-best in playoffs entering play on May 4).

Based on his outsized opportunity, this line seems like a steal.

Key stat: Knies has 42 points in 48 games since Jan. 1.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks made at 1:12 p.m. ET 05/04/2025.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks Game 1: Back Knies and Lundell in Monday’s series opener

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers begin their second-round series on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena.

The pregame narrative: Starting on the right foot will be key for the Maple Leafs, who aim to advance to the conference finals for the first time in the “Core Four” era. The reigning champion Panthers have been to back-to-back Stanley Cup finals and are favoured to win the series opener.

Matthew Knies and Anton Lundell are my Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks for Game 1 on May 5.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best bet: Knies to register a point (-129)

Toronto’s Core Four has become a Fab Five with how Knies is playing.

The third-year winger broke out with a career-high 29 goals and 58 points this season. Knies flashed his scoring touch in the opening round with three goals against the Ottawa Senators, including this beauty in Game 4:

His physicality and size are exactly what Toronto needs going up against a team like Florida, and I expect Craig Berube to lean on the youngster.

Of course, Knies will get plenty of minutes regardless while playing alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the top line.

That unit generated a team-high 58 chances and 2.89 xG in the opening round, per Natural Stat Trick.

Knies is also on the team’s first power-play unit, which clicked at a 35.3% rate against Ottawa (second-best in playoffs entering play on May 4).

Based on his outsized opportunity, this line seems like a steal.

Key stat: Knies has 42 points in 48 games since Jan. 1.

Embed: #113392

Game 1 prop prediction

Lundell over 1.5 shots (-136): Lundell isn’t the first, second, or even 10th name you think of when looking at Florida’s roster. But he’s important, centring the third line alongside Brad Marchand and Eetu Luostarinen.

Lundell averaged 16:38 of ice time in the opening round and had at least one shot in every outing, clearing this total in Games 3-5.

Toronto has done a good job of limiting high-danger chances but is still giving up a lot of shot attempts (60.46 per 60, sixth-most in NHL playoffs).

Lundell had six shots in his last game against the Leafs.

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs prop picks made at 1:12 p.m. ET 05/04/2025.

Blues vs. Jets prop picks Game 7: Bet on Cole Perfetti to shine in elimination game

Blues vs. Jets picks

The St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets lay it on the line in Game 7 of their series on Sunday night.

The pregame narrative: It all comes down to this. Winnipeg can advance at home, and I’m betting it to do just that. Connor Hellebuyck has struggled mightily in this series, but I expect him to be excellent when his team needs him most.

Check out my Blues vs. Jets prop picks on Cole Perfetti, Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas for Game 7 of this first-round matchup in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Blues vs. Jets picks

Best Bet: Perfetti to score 1+ points (-106)

I’m not expecting a plethora of offence in this contest.

There are reasons to believe in both goaltenders despite shaky results through six games. Connor Hellebuyck is the likely Vezina Trophy winner, and Jordan Binnington has a panache for big moments.

There are several reasons, however, why Perfetti can be a hero in this contest.

Firstly, his play has improved as the series has progressed. Perfetti had one point and just 11 shot attempts through the first three games of the series.

His numbers have improved slightly over the last three games. The skilled forward has 18 shot attempts and two points during this stretch.

His outlook improved significantly with the return of Nikolaj Ehlers in Game 6. Ehlers skates alongside Perfetti at even strength and on the power play.

Perfetti should continue to be one of Winnipeg’s best forwards in a must-win Game 7.

Key stat: Perfetti leads all Jets players in expected goals (3.92), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Game 7 prop predictions

Kyrou to not score 1+ points (-134): Kyrou has not been much of a difference maker in this series.

The talented forward has been limited to two points in this series, and none in the last three games.

Kyrou isn’t seeing the same opportunities he was in the regular season, either. He averaged 17:29 minutes per game this past year, but has only topped 17 minutes once in a game during this series.

His struggles against Winnipeg date back to the regular season. Kyrou is pointless in seven of 10 games against the Jets in 2024-25.

Thomas to not score 1+ points (+130): This isn’t a play on Thomas, but more of a wager against St. Louis’ offence as a whole.

Thomas has been sensational in this series, scoring eight points in six games and ranking first among all Blues forwards in the category.

I anticipate a stellar performance from Hellebuyck when his team needs him most. If the superstar netminder can deliver a top-tier outing, that likely means a quiet night for the Blues’ top forwards.

Thomas was pointless in Winnipeg’s 2-1 victory in Game 2. With my expectation being a similar result, fading St. Louis’ most reliable scorer makes logical sense at these odds.

Blues vs. Jets prop picks made at 10:18 a.m. ET on 05/04/2025.