The Florida Panthers will look to even the series in Game 2 with a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, May 6.
Toronto capitalized on home-ice advantage by holding onto a 5-4 win in the series opener, and I’ve got a trio of Panthers vs. Maple Leafs props for the rematch.
Best Panthers vs Maple Leafs props
-
Verhaeghe o2.5 SOG (-139) -
Nylander o2.5 SOG (-143) - Tavares u0.5 points (+110)
Panthers vs Maple Leafs player props for May 7
Carter Verhaeghe Over 2.5 shots on goal (-139 at Sports Interaction)
Florida Panthers winger Carter Verhaeghe is glued into a top-line role and finished Game 1 with five shots on eight attempts, He drove 5-on-5 possession with linemates Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart to the tune of a 66.7 Corsi For percentage, and the trio also posted an elite 61.7% mark during the regular season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs sport a 43.7 CF% at 5-on-5 through seven playoff games, and they were just as bad to end the regular season with a league-low 43.7% mark after the calendar flipped to March.
Of course, Verhaeghe is also a staple on the No. 1 power-play unit, and my NHL picks anticipate plenty of shooting opportunities for the two-time Stanley Cup winner on Wednesday.
William Nylander Over 2.5 shots on goal (-143 at Sports Interaction)
Maple Leafs winger William Nylander frequently traded with a 3.5 shots total during the regular season, and we’re landing a fair price here because he finished with just a pair of shots on six attempts in Game 1.
Nylander ranked in the 98th percentile of forwards in shots on goal during the regular season, and he’s second on the Maple Leafs in both shots and attempts during the playoffs.
I also value that he should see the majority of his 5-on-5 minutes away from the Panthers' No. 1 line and top defense pairing.
John Tavares Under 0.5 points (+110 at Sports Interaction)
Maple Leafs center John Tavares has only marked the scoresheet once through his past four games, and he’s been on the ice for just 2.02 expected goals — including just 0.47 in Game 1 — and the highest team shooting percentage (26.1%) at 5-on-5 during the stretch.
The Panthers will tighten up defensively, and No. 1 goalie Sergei Bobrovsky will play better. While game flow had a say, the Cats only allowed 1.6 expected goals at 5-on-5 in the series opener, and Tavares was also caved in with a 37.9 Corsi For percentage.
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.
