The must-see Nuggets-Thunder Game 7 at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon is not the only Game 7 on tap today.
Shortly after the battle between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinal clash between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs will get underway in Toronto.
The Panthers, who took home the Stanley Cup a year ago, are slight favorites tonight.
Toronto jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the series, then dropped both games in Florida to tie it at 2-2. The Panthers won Game 5 in Toronto to give themselves a chance to advance at home in Game 6 on Friday night, but the Leafs won that one 2-0 to force Game 7 at Scotiabank Arena tonight.
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 Odds
The odds below include the money line and the puck line. The puck line is like a spread bet, but the standard puck line is typically set at -1.5/+1.5, with the prices weighted to reflect who’s favored.
How to Watch Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 7
- Puck drop: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: TNT/truTV/Max
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 Player Props
Sam Bennett 1+ Points (+100 at FanDuel) — 1 unit
Few players on either team have been more reliable throughout the playoffs than Bennett, who has recorded at least one point (goal or assist) in 8 of Florida’s 11 postseason contests. It’s also worth noting that in six road playoff games this year, Bennett has scored a goal in all but one of them.
He was quiet in Game 6 as Florida was shut out, but he had at least one point in Games 3, 4 and 5, with an assist in Game 3 and goals in Games 4 and 5.
Florida has been effective offensively in just about every game this series, and I expect to see some Game 7 fireworks. If this does end up becoming a back-and-forth game, Bennett is as good of a bet as anyone to notch a point or two, especially at even money.
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 Pick
The Maple Leafs have lost six straight Game 7s, and they’re seeking their first conference finals appearance since 2002.
Florida’s been an excellent playoff team the last two years, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2023, where it lost to Vegas, then winning it a year ago thanks to a massive peformance in Game 7 vs. Edmonton.
The Panthers also have a coach in Paul Maurice who is 5-0 in Game 7s and a goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 2-0 in Game 7s.
Cliche as it is, I think the Panthers will win another one tonight thanks to their experience advantage. Expect a back-and-forth affair, with Bennett or another Florida vet to snag the game-winner in the third period.
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 Best Bets:
- Panthers moneyline (-130 at DraftKings) — 1 unit
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