Written by Graeme on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025
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Well the Toronto Maple Leafs exited the playoffs by getting absolutely destroyed by the Panthers.
Although they may have a fair amount of legitimate complaints from the first two games, there are no excuses for how it all played out – particularly Game 5 and 7. They’ve tried everything else; time to break up that core. What a pitiful performance that was in Game 7.
Neither of us won our bets for the series. Scott had the Leafs to win, and I had the Panthers -1.5 for the series. It was probably a great series outcome for the sportsbooks of the world. “Makes you think”, as Matt Le Tissier would say.
The Florida Panthers will now meet the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals, which we will cover today and then tomorrow, that Oilers/Stars series.
Hurricanes vs Panthers Series Betting Tips
Scott: The Canes got to the Eastern Conference Finals by beating the banged up Devils in 5 games, 2 of those games went to double overtime, and then beating the Capitals in the 2nd round also in 5 games.
They have been led by Aho, Jarvis, Svechnikov, Gostisbehere, Hall and Blake. They will never get the credit that they deserve and that’s due to the style of play they play but Slavin and Orlov arre crucial to any success the Canes have.
Andersen has been solid as usual and has played in all games but 2.
The Panthers got here by beating their rivals the Lightning in 5 games and then the Maple Leafs in 7.
The don’t like tired at all after winning the Cup last season. They are led by Reinhart, Tkachuk, Verhaeghe, Bennett, Marchand, Lundell and Barkov. They have so many depth guys it has to make the league jealous. The have Jones, Ekblad, Luostarinen, Schmidt the list goes on and on.
Bobrovsky has played each game for the Panthers in the postseason.
With the Canes style of play they should give the Panthers a run for their money but I think the experience the Panthers have is going to carry them to the finals for the 3rd year in a row.
Panthers win series
Ontario: 1.80 Odds at 888 Sports.
Canada: 1.80 Odds at 888 Sports.
USA: -133 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 1.80 Odds at 888 Sports.
(Odds correct as of 2025/05/20 7:02:18 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: There is something different about this Canes team this year I feel. I’ve been a big fan of them for quite a few years now, primarily due to my forage into advanced metrics. That sort of thing goes hand in hand, as the Canes are a juggernaut in those, and have been for years.
But there is something about this team this year that I am really liking, and getting cup vibes from.
This will be far their biggest test – but I do think the Panthers are there for the taking. The Leafs basically handed them two games. Tampa just never seemed in it.
By the metrics – both teams have excellent CF/60 so its quite close there. Similar with FF/60. Panthers shooting less but scoring more, but the Canes have a sensational xGF/60 of 3.79. They ave unfortunately worse in xGA/60 and SCGF/60.
So while I like the Canes, the most off-putting aspect about it is how reliant they are on goaltending. A GA/60 of 1.66 with an xGA/60 of 2.85. Their defense needs to step up. The bright spot for them is they can score, and also create more than the Panthers. And Bob has looked very hot and cold.
I think at over 2.00 odds, I’m happy to role the dice on the Canes. Here’s why:
– If the goaltending continues, then this series is over with. No question.
– If the goaltending does not continue, the Canes are still creating a ton of chances, and can win that way. I’m really not sold on Bob this year.
I will be honest in that I am less confident in the Canes after looking at the metrics, but hey it would be nice to see the Panthers and their dirty ass players lose. Definite concerns over the regular season performances between the teams. Truthfully I think this is probably a 0EV bet at best. And one I regret the more I look so let’s wrap this up and just take a deep breath and go with it.
Canes win series
Ontario: 2.10 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.12 Odds at Bovada
USA: +112 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/05/20 7:02:18 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Stars vs Panthers for the finals
the SCGF/60 is an interesting stat i dont think ive ever paid attention to. Is it a ratio of goals for per scoring chances? How are you to interpret that one?
I really want and see the Canes/Oilers… Based on goaltending and if it continues I see the Dallas/Canes… Don’t feel comfortable yet in a call. Screw the Panthers and their style of play and ALSO the owner is a mega douche bag, typical American the world has come to hate. I dont hold that against the players BUT he needs to be shut UP!
Game 1: Carolina moneyline WIN
Parlay that with MLB Philadelphia winning on the runline today.
Carolina had 4 days off while Florida had 1. That cannot be overstated as critical to getting past play-through injuries, peaking available energy, getting lots of quality sleep, peaking mental readiness and constructive use of prep time. Carolina has had TWO 5-game series, so they’re getting good rest so far in the playoffs. They’re at home, they’re far superior in forechecking, offense, defense and character than the, you know, that comedy team in blue on loan from SCTV that Florida recently played and lost three games to (and had two wins inexplicably handed to them). Florida is claiming no current injuries (ha!) and Carolina has one, possibly two.
How about a Discord Channel?