The future of the Toronto Maple Leafs will be decided in Sunday’s winner-take-all Game 7 against the Florida Panthers.
The pregame narrative: Come Monday morning, the “Core Four” could be no more … or Toronto will be gearing up to play in its first conference final since 2002. The Maple Leafs are a slight home underdog against the defending-champion Panthers after staying alive with a shutout win in Game 6.
Check out my Panthers vs. Maple Leafs playoff SGP predictions featuring William Nylander for Game 7 on May 18.
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions
Parlay: Maple Leafs moneyline | Nylander 1+ points | Under 6.5 goals (+270)
Maple Leafs moneyline (+112): Toronto has never won a Game 7 in the Auston Matthews era — but I say that changes tonight.
The Maple Leafs have been dynamite at Scotiabank Arena this season. They went 27-13-1 there during the regular season and are 4-2 at home in the postseason.
The losses have been ugly, most recently taking a 6-1 beating at the hands of the Panthers on Wednesday night. But Toronto responded well during Friday’s 2-0 win:
- 31 blocked shots
- 61.4% faceoff percentage
- Generated 62.5% of high-danger chances
Beating a team like Florida means doing the little things right, and Toronto has proven it can do that at times. With everything on the line, I expect the Leafs to sell out on Sunday.
Joseph Woll has also been up to the challenge when facing elimination. The netminder has a 4-1 record with a 1.13 GAA and .958 SV% in those games.
Toronto is 11-2 in its last 13 home games (3-1 vs. Florida).
NHL SGP legs
Nylander 1+ points (-186): Of all the Maple Leafs superstars, I trust Nylander the most.
- The Swedish winger is leading Toronto in goals (six) and points (15) this postseason.
- He’s been held off the scoresheet in three straight but had six points in the first three games of this series (three goals, 1 assist in Games 1 and 2 at home).
He’s been the man to step up in Game 7s. Nylander has two goals and four points in five winner-take-all outings, and scored Toronto’s lone goal against the Boston Bruins last year.
A lot is made about how unshakable Nylander is — and the moment doesn’t get bigger than this.
Under 6.5 goals (-278): This game will likely come down to goaltending, and I expect each netminder to be solid.
Woll, as mentioned, has a knack for turning up in the biggest moments. And Sergei Bobrovsky is in form after a tough start to the series.
Florida’s Vezina-winning goaltender has held the Maple Leafs to just three goals over the last two games.
The under on this game total is 7-4 in the last 11 playoff meetings between these teams. It’s also 4-1 in Toronto’s last five Game 7s.
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs predictions made at 11:02 a.m. ET 05/18/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.