Panthers vs. Maple Leafs: Game 1 Preview and Key Storylines

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs second round kicks off tonight, May 6, 2025, with a highly anticipated matchup between the defending champion Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Game 1 is set for 8:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN, SN, CBC, and TVAS. Here’s a look at the latest news, key narratives, and what to expect as these two Atlantic Division rivals face off for the second time in three years.

A Rematch with High Stakes

This series marks a rematch of the 2023 second-round playoff series, where the Panthers dispatched the Maple Leafs in five games en route to the Stanley Cup Final. Toronto, now under the guidance of coach Craig Berube, is a different team with a more patient, structured style compared to their attack-heavy approach in 2023. Florida’s coach Paul Maurice noted this evolution, saying, “They have more patience in their game,” suggesting a tighter, more disciplined series ahead.

The Maple Leafs earned home-ice advantage as the Atlantic Division’s No. 1 seed after defeating the Ottawa Senators in six games, with a 4-2 clincher in Game 6. William Nylander led the charge with nine points (three goals, six assists), while Auston Matthews and Max Pacioretty also contributed key goals. Meanwhile, the Panthers, the No. 3 seed, made quick work of the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games, showcasing their depth and playoff pedigree.

Familiar Faces and New Dynamics

Adding intrigue to this series, three former Panthers—goaltender Anthony Stolarz, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and forward Steven Lorentz—now suit up for Toronto after winning the Stanley Cup with Florida last season. Stolarz, in particular, has emerged as Toronto’s No. 1 netminder, setting up a fascinating goaltending duel against Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky. Stolarz’s size and midrange success contrast with Bobrovsky’s quickness, making this matchup a clash of styles in net.

For the Panthers, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart lead a balanced attack, with Tkachuk’s three-point Game 1 against Tampa and Reinhart’s six points (two goals, four assists) in the first round. Toronto counters with its “Core 4”—Nylander, Mitch Marner, Matthews, and John Tavares—who combined for 29 points against Ottawa. Both teams boast elite two-way players, with Florida’s Aleksander Barkov and Toronto’s Matthews likely to dictate the pace in key moments.

Special Teams and Physicality

Special teams could be a deciding factor. Toronto’s power play was lethal early in Round 1, scoring five goals against Ottawa, though it faltered in Games 4 and 5 before Matthews’ critical Game 6 tally. The Leafs rank third in offensive zone time percentage on the power play (61.7%), but they face a formidable challenge in Florida’s penalty kill, which ranks second in the playoffs at 88.9% and stifled Tampa’s potent power play.

Physicality will also play a role. The Panthers led the first round in hits per 60 minutes (43.40), just ahead of Ottawa, while Toronto lagged at 12th (32.03). Berube, a veteran of rough-and-tumble hockey, emphasized the need for his team to counter Florida’s swarming forecheck and physical style, which was a hallmark of their 2023 series win. Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly, one of eight players remaining from that 2023 series, is well-versed in Florida’s game plan.

Betting Odds and Predictions

The Panthers enter as favorites, with 15 of 16 NHL.com writers picking them to win the series, citing their playoff experience and depth. ESPN’s betting guide notes Florida’s 3-1 regular-season record against Toronto, outscoring them 13-7 and outshooting them 117-93. However, Toronto’s home-ice advantage and improved goaltending with Stolarz make this series closer than the odds suggest. Some analysts, like those at The Hockey News, predict a seven-game battle, highlighting the Leafs’ resilience.

For Game 1, betting markets favor a low-scoring affair, given both teams’ defensive prowess—Florida ranks second in goals-against average (2.20), and Toronto is third (2.33). A same-game parlay at +494 odds from Pickswise suggests a tight contest with strong goaltending on both sides.

Off the Ice: Marner’s Milestone

On a personal note, Toronto’s Mitch Marner is in the spotlight after welcoming his first child, a son named Miles, on Sunday, and celebrating his 28th birthday on Monday. A Game 1 win would cap a memorable 48 hours for the forward, who had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in the first round.

How to Watch

Fans can catch Game 1 live on ESPN, SN, CBC, or TVAS, with streaming available on Fubo (regional restrictions may apply). The puck drops at 8:00 p.m. ET, and with both teams coming off strong first-round performances, expect an intense, playoff-caliber battle from the opening face-off.

Looking Ahead

This series promises to be a test of Toronto’s growth against Florida’s championship mettle. With Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. ET in Toronto, the outcome of tonight’s opener could set the tone for what many expect to be a tightly contested series. Will the Leafs leverage their home crowd to strike first, or will the Panthers’ playoff savvy prevail? Tune in to find out.