The Toronto Maple Leafs enter tonight’s matchup looking to build momentum after a dominant 7–2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. A victory over Florida would give Toronto its first back-to-back wins since November 5th, a much-needed step toward stabilizing an inconsistent season. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers come in on a two-game losing streak. They are trying to stay afloat during a stretch without stars Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey. Tonight’s game brings a 2025 NHL Stanley Cup second-round playoff rematch, where the Panthers eliminated the Leafs in Game 7. Toronto is pushing to climb back into the playoff picture. While Florida is focused on surviving the regular-season grind and keeping pace in the Atlantic Division.

NHL Predictions featuring the Leafs vs Panthers

2025-26 Head-to-Head: Leafs 0-0 Panthers

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch: TSN 4, ESPN, HULU, SCRIPPS SPORTS
Game Preview the Panther Perspective

The Florida Panthers enter this matchup struggling to regain their footing, coming off back-to-back losses at the hands of the Flyers and Flames. With key players like Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov sidelined for extended periods, the Panthers are relying on their depth to generate offence and maintain defensive stability. Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid in net, giving Florida a chance to stay competitive even in tight contests. Brad Marchand has looked very solid for the Panthers this season with 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points in 23 games. Their speed up front and ability to capitalize on turnovers remain strengths, but injuries have slowed the team’s rhythm and limited scoring opportunities. The Panthers will need to push hard offensively and control the neutral zone to have a chance against Toronto.

What the Leafs are Planning

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs come into this matchup riding the momentum of a 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Toronto has shown flashes of balance, with Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies trending toward full health and contributing at both ends of the ice. William Nylander continues to drive the offence, while Easton Cowan’s emergence adds speed and creativity to the middle six. Furthermore, John Tavares continues to be Toronto’s most complete player this season. He has scored timely goals, wins faceoffs, and wins the majority of his battles. The Leafs will look to leverage this depth while tightening up defensively in front of Joseph Woll. Special teams could be the difference, as Toronto’s power play seeks to return to its elite efficiency while the Panthers’ penalty kill remains opportunistic despite recent struggles.

Prediction & Key Bets

Final Score Prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Panthers 3 (OT)

This game has the potential for a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. Toronto’s skill, depth, and recent momentum give them an edge, but Florida’s ability to exploit turnovers and generate speed in transition ensures it won’t be easy. Expect the Leafs to push the Panthers hard, with goaltending and special teams likely deciding the outcome in overtime.

Best Betting Angles:

Moneyline: Toronto Maple Leafs win.

Total Goals: Over 6.0 goals, both teams have high skill, and they can both produce a lot of goals

Player Prop: Brad Marchand anytime point.

Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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