Wow – what an end to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs that was! Down two goals, the Winnipeg Jets scored twice in the last two minutes – the final goal coming with three seconds left – to force overtime against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday night. Then the Jets sent the home fans away ecstatic, winning in double overtime. Off to the second round we go with our picks. For my best bet for Monday, May 5th: NHL Predictions, we’re off to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. Let’s go!
Best Bet for Monday (May 5th): NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Start Time: 8:00 PM EST
The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers start the second round on the road, facing the team they bounced from the playoffs in Round 2 two seasons ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs. But the Panthers didn’t have home ice advantage last round, either, and still cut through the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games.
But this isn’t your typical playoff-choking Leafs team of recent vintage, it appears. There’s definitely a different vibe around this team, as they avoided a collapse in the first round against their in-province rivals, the Ottawa Senators, winning the series in six (after being up 3-0 in the series, it should be mentioned). However, the Panthers are one of those teams that have their number, beating them in three out of four in the regular season. And the Maple Leafs aren’t lights out at home.
I’m going with the defending champion Panthers. The Leafs have to prove it to me before I back them.
Best Bet: Florida ML (-120)
Best Bet Overall Record: 216-191 (53%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $17.90
Return on Investment: 0%
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