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NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Friday (5/12)

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We have a small slate of hockey on Friday as two Game 5s are set to take place in the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Below, I give out my best bet for Friday’s NHL slate.

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Today’s Best NHL Bet

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Florida Panthers (+145) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (-170) | O/U 6.5 (-125/+105)

The Toronto Maple Leafs return home for Game 5 against the Florida Panthers. After avoiding the sweep in Florida, the Leafs continue to hang on for dear life against a Panthers team that is currently firing on all cylinders.

Florida leans heavily on its powerhouse offense, scoring three or more goals in six of its past seven games this postseason. This trend should not be surprising given the Panthers’ hyper-aggressive offensive play and desire to go south-to-north as quickly as possible.

At 5-on-5 in the regular season, Florida finished first in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). Featuring three 30+ goal scorers and a roster full of offensive-minded players both in the forward and defensive group, the Panthers receive plenty of scoring help no matter who is on the ice.

Meanwhile, Toronto’s blue line has been questionable, allowing three or more goals in six of its past eight playoff games. While the defense is deep, it features six guys who are solid, but not spectacular on the back end.

The Leafs attempted to bolster this blue line with the acquisitions of Luke Schenn and Jake McCabe at the trade deadline, but the results have not been there. Since the Christmas break, Toronto ranks in the bottom half of the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.

Backing up this fade-worthy defense is goaltender Joseph Woll, who is thrust into a tough spot due to the injury to Ilya Samsonov. Through three appearances in the crease this postseason, Woll possesses a mere .902 SV%.

Best Bet: Panthers Team Total Over 2.5 (-155)

Best of luck!

Check out our other best bets for Friday:


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Tony Sartori is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Tony, check out his archive and follow him @tony_sartori.

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