Panthers vs. Maple Leafs NHL Playoffs Picks & Predictions (Thursday)

We have a small slate of hockey on Thursday as two Game 2s are set to take place in the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Below, I give out my two best bets for Thursday’s NHL slate.

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Today’s Best NHL Bets

Odds via BetRivers Sportsbook

Florida Panthers (+160) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (-195) | O/U 6.5 (-130/+107)

After their 4-2 victory in Game 1, the Florida Panthers look to pull off the road upset once again in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. While that contest stayed under the total, we are going to back an uptick in the scoring department in Game 2.

Mix an elite offense with a below-average blue line, and Florida has developed into an over-bettor’s dream over the past couple of years. At 5-on-5 this season, the Panthers finished first in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) but just 21st in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).

The offense certainly needs no explanation as it is loaded with three 30+ goal scorers and receives scoring help from all four forward lines. However, the best players on defense (Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour) are both offensive-minded.

Outside of Radko Gudas, this team does not have an efficient shut-down defenseman. Meanwhile, Toronto also boasts a powerhouse offense and a below-average blue line.

This season, the Leafs ranked seventh in the league in xGF/60 at 5-on-5. However, despite the acquisitions of Luke Schenn and Jake McCabe at the deadline in an attempt to bolster this blue line, Toronto has ranked in the bottom half of the league in xGA/60 at 5-on-5 since the Christmas break.

Best Bet: Over 6.5 (-130)

Best of luck!

Check out our other best bets for Thursday:

• MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions
• MLB Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NBA Playoffs Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NHL Playoffs Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions

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