The Toronto Maple Leafs head to Amarant Bank Arena with a 2-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers.
The Panthers have focused on shutting down the Leafs’ top line, but that’s come at the expense of being overmatched by the Buds’ second line, which has been on fire since Max Pacioretty joined them three games ago.
My Maple Leafs vs. Panthers predictions and NHL picks for Friday, May 9, expect Pacioretty to continue producing tonight.
Who will win Maple Leafs vs Panthers Game 3?
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the first two games of the series, but the series shifts to the Sunshine State with the Florida Panthers desperately needing a win.
Florida has outshot and out-chanced Toronto to this point in the series, but that hasn’t resulted in more goals on the scoreboard.
That may change tonight as the Cats have last change with home ice advantage in a building in which they went 28-13-2 in with a +27 goal differential in the regular season.
Florida should also be the more motivated team down 2-0 in the series. I expect a big response game from them to cut the Leafs' series lead in half.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers prediction
My Maple Leafs vs Panthers pick: Max Pacioretty Over 0.5 points (+125 at Sports Interaction)
The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the Florida Panthers 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, and it’s partly due to the below-average goaltending being supplied by Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Panthers’ netminder has allowed nine goals through the first two games of this series and has a .876 SV% during this year's playoff run. That is far worse than the sensational performance he put on two years ago when the Leafs and Cats faced off.
Toronto has gotten offense from all over the lineup, but the line that has been the most productive has been their second line of John Tavares, William Nylander, and Max Pacioretty.
As a trio, those three players have scored five goals in three games together and lead the playoffs, averaging 10.51 goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
Pacioretty was promoted to the second line in Game 6 of the Ottawa series and has recorded two points in each of the three games since.
His point total is set at 0.5 tonight, and considering he and his line are red-hot, the Over at +125 is a price I simply can’t ignore.
The Panthers have concentrated most of their defensive resources on the Leafs' top line, which has left Toronto’s second line facing weaker competition. It’s no wonder they’re generating offense at such a rate in the playoffs.
If the Panthers continue to focus more on the top line as opposed to the second line, and Bobrovsky continues to falter tonight, I like the chances of Pacioretty to keep producing for the Buds.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers same-game parlay (SGP)
Max Pacioretty 1+ shots on goal
William Nylander anytime goal
Sam Reinhart 2+ shots on goal
For the first leg of our SGP, we’ll mirror our best bet and take Pacioretty to record 1+ shots. He has at least one shot in each of his six games this postseason, averaging 1.5 shots per game.
With the second leg of the SGP, we’ll continue to ride with the red-hot second line and take Nylander to score an anytime goal. He’s playing with extreme confidence right now, having scored in three straight games, totaling five goals over that span, three of which have come in the two games vs. Florida.
For the final leg of my SGP, I’ll cross the aisle and take Sam Reinhart to record 2+ shots tonight. He’s second on the Panthers with 20 shots in the playoffs and has had two or more in six of seven games this postseason, including both games against Toronto.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Sports Interaction: Canada’s home for NHL
Looking to bet on some NHL Playoffs action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors, and get a 125% bonus on your first deposit (up to $250)!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Maple Leafs vs Panthers odds
Maple Leafs vs Panthers live odds
Maple Leafs vs Panthers opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto +1.5 | Florida -1.5
- Moneyline: Toronto +189 | Florida -218
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Maple Leafs vs Panthers trend
The Maple Leafs had an NHL-best 27-13-4 record on the road this season. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Panthers.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Panthers
| Location | Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date | Friday, 5-9-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, Sportsnet |
Maple Leafs vs Panthers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
