Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Florida Panthers in this pivotal Game 3 of their second-round series. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Series Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 2-0 Panthers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TruTV, TNT, TVAS, CBC, Sportsnet, Max
We open up NHL predictions with the Maple Leafs going for a 3-0 lead against the Panthers. Joseph Woll will likely be tasked with the start as Toronto continues to play the waiting game with Anthony Stolarz. The Leafs are looking to get a 3-0 series lead for the second straight series. Toronto has been able to match the energy of Florida on the physical end of things. William Nylander leads the Maple Leafs in goals (6) and points (13) so far this post-season.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the starter once again, but he’ll have to play better if the Panthers want to climb back into the series. Florida did a solid job of limiting shots, but Bobrovsky struggled to keep them out of the net. Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen are tied for the team’s lead in points with eight. The Panthers also have plenty of scoring balance on their roster.
This game will be critical in how the series shakes out. Expect a better effort from Florida as it gets back into the series.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Dallas Stars vs Winnipeg Jets
Series Head-to-Head: Stars 1-0 Jets
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TruTV, TNT, TVAS, CBC, Sportsnet, Max
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Dallas Stars looking for a 2-0 series lead against the Winnipeg Jets. Jake Oettinger will look to keep things going for the Stars in between the pipes. Mikko Rantanen has been on a tear and got a natural hat trick in Game 1 against the Jets. The Finn has been worth every asset with eight goals, seven assists and 15 points so far this post-season for Dallas.
Connor Hellebuyck played better in the series-opener for Winnipeg. He’ll get the start again, but will need support from the rest of the Jets in order to tie the series up in Game 2. Kyle Connor leads the team in goals (8) and points (12) so far in this playoff campaign for Winnipeg.
The Jets haven’t lost two games in a row this playoff season and they’ll get back on track.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game of the night for our props. The over/under for this game is 5.5 and we like the over just barely in this one.
For individual props, take Aleksander Barkov to get a point in this one for the Panthers. On the Maple Leafs end of things, go with Mitch Marner to collect a power-play point.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Game 3 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.