Panthers vs Maple Leafs Game 3 Prediction NHL Playoffs 5/7

© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Introduction

The Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series on May 7th. The Panthers currently lead the series 2-0, and are hoping to continue their strong performance in Game 3 at the FLA Live Arena.

In this article, we'll provide an extensive review of both teams' offense, defense, and injuries, and explain our final prediction in Game 3.

Offense

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a potent offense, led by Mitchell Marner and William Nylander. Marner has 99 points (30 goals, 69 assists) in 82 regular season games, while Nylander has scored 40 goals and recorded 53 assists for a total of 93 points in 82 games.

The Florida Panthers, on the other hand, are led by Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe. Tkachuk has 40 goals and 69 assists for a total of 109 points in 82 regular season games, while Verhaeghe has 42 goals and 33 assists for a total of 75 points in 78 games.

Both teams have strong offenses, but the Panthers have been more effective in this series so far. In Game 1, they won 4-2, and in Game 2, they won 3-2. The Panthers will need to continue their strong play and score goals in Game 3 if they want to beat the Maple Leafs.

Defense

The Maple Leafs have a solid defense, led by goaltender Ilya Samsonov. Samsonov has a record of 27 wins, 10 losses, and 5 overtime losses, with a goals-against average of 2.33 and a save percentage of .919.

The Panthers' defense is led by goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has a record of 24 wins, 20 losses, and 3 overtime losses, with a goals-against average of 3.07 and a save percentage of .901.

While both teams have strong goaltenders, the Panthers have the advantage in this series due to their overall defensive performance. They have allowed fewer goals than the Maple Leafs in this series so far, and have played a more disciplined game. They will need to continue this trend in Game 3.

Injuries

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without forward Matthew Knies, who is out due to injury. The Florida Panthers will be missing Ryan Lomberg, who is also out due to injury.

The Panthers have an advantage in this area, as they have fewer players injured and out of the lineup. This means they can field their strongest possible team in Game 3, which could be a difference-maker.

Prediction