The Florida Panthers look to skate to a fourth straight win en route to a third consecutive berth in the Conference Finals, while the Toronto Maple Leafs aim to keep their season alive in Game 6.
My Maple Leafs vs. Panthers props and NHL picks for Friday, May 16 will look for Sam Reinhart to rack up a handful of shots while fading a struggling Auston Matthews.
Best Maple Leafs vs Panthers props
-
Reinhart 5+ SOG (+300) - Bennett o0.5 pts (-120)
-
Matthews u0.5 pts (+140)
Maple Leafs vs Panthers player props for May 16
Sam Reinhart 5+ shots on goal (+300 at Sports Interaction)
Sam Reinhart didn’t score in Game 5, but he was an integral part of the Florida Panthers’ 6-1 win as he collected two assists and fired six shots on target.
Reinhart has thrown 23 pucks on net in the series, which not only leads all players on either team, but also all skaters in the second round. The Panthers forward has tallied at least six shots in each of his last three outings, and I’m expecting him to chuck another 5+ pucks on net in Game 6.
As the series has gone on, Florida has asserted its dominance in terms of shot share. Per Natural Stat Trick, the Panthers have controlled 61% of the shot attempts vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as 62% of the expected goals and 65% of the scoring chances.
When Reinhart is on the ice at 5-on-5, things are tilted even more in Florida’s favor, with the Panthers owning 68% of the shot attempts, 72% of the scoring chances, and 69% of the expected goals.
If those trends hold in Game 6, Reinhart should be in the Toronto zone for most of the game and the shots will follow.
Sam Bennett Over 0.5 points (-120 at Sports Interaction)
Whether he’s toeing the line with his physical play or putting up points, Sam Bennett has been a thorn in the side of the Maple Leafs all series long.
Bennett recorded a career-high 51 points during the regular season and has been even more productive in the playoffs with six goals and nine points in 10 games. He’s been a mainstay on the score sheet against Toronto with points in three straight and four of five games this series, while he’s been held pointless just twice this postseason.
The Panthers offense has tormented the Maple Leafs with 4.00 GPG in the series – the highest mark of all teams in the second round. Joseph Woll was put into a tough position when Bennett knocked Maple Leafs starter Anthony Stolarz out of the series in Game 1, and Woll hasn’t really answered the bell.
The Leafs netminder owns a bloated 4.02 GAA and a weak .877 SV% through five appearances against the Panthers, and has allowed five goals in two of his last three starts.
If Florida’s offense keeps ticking, Bennett should get in on the action.
Auston Matthews Under 0.5 points (+140 at Sports Interaction)
The Maple Leafs offense generally goes hand-in-hand with Auston Matthews’ production, and the captain’s lack of scoring touch is one of the main reasons why Toronto faces elimination tonight.
Matthews has been held off the score sheet in two straight games and three of five contests overall in this series. Unfortunately for the Leafs, I can’t find much reason to believe he’ll turn it around in Game 6.
The star center generated 1.44 goals and 3.41 points per 60 minutes in the regular season but has seen those numbers come crashing down against the Panthers. Matthews has yet to score a goal vs. Florida while his point production has been cut in half (1.67 P/60).
In fact, the Maple Leafs captain has not scored a single goal in 10 career postseason meetings vs. the Panthers and has just five assists over that span.
Sergei Bobrovsky has also improved as the series has worn on, stopping 54 of the last 55 shots he’s faced while giving up one goal over the last two games.
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.
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.
