The first game of the conference semifinals sure had plenty of story. Toronto, the second seed in the Eastern Conference, nearly blew a 4-1 lead. The Maple Leafs lost their goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, late in the game due to a controversial hit by Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett. It all culminated in a narrow 5-4 victory on home ice, setting up a critical Game 2 on Wednesday.
On one side, the Leafs are trying to overcome a 23-year conference finals drought, not to mention their 56-year Stanley Cup drought. On the other hand, Florida has a Stanley Cup title to defend. Tonight’s game will go a long way toward deciding who advances to face the winner of the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes.
Maple Leafs vs. Panthers preview
As of now, the Panthers are -142 favorites on the road on DraftKings Sportsbook. Some of that is due to the even nature of these two teams, and some is due to Stolarz’s uncertain status after being taken away from the arena in an ambulance. However, there remains some optimism that he can play in Game 2.
Things would change significantly if Joseph Woll is forced into a full start. The 26-year-old surrendered three goals on 20 shots in relief of Stolarz, nearly handing the game back to Florida. When the margins are this thin, going from a netminder who led the league in save percentage to an average save percentage can cost you, even for one game.
Still, the skating matchups feel very even, and all it takes is a few bounces to have the luck turn in a Stanley Cup Playoff game. Let’s get into our predictions.
Maple Leafs vs. Panthers best bets, prediction
First, with Stolarz likely out of the contest, I smell an over at 5.5. It was already headed toward being a high-scoring Game 1 before his exit, and any more advantage for these offenses puts it over the edge. The possibility that he could start may keep the line down but, even amongst hockey players, I doubt a goalie who threw up on the bench and left on a stretcher will play two days later.
However, I still like the Maple Leafs in this one. With or without their starting tendy, I’ll take any top seed as a home underdog, barring several injuries. Toronto at +120 speaks to me.
Also, if you’re feeling frisky, sprinkle on Bobby McMann +4000 to score the first goal. The forward tickled the twine 20 times in the regular season but is scoreless through seven playoff games. Overdue is an understatement.
