Game 7 drama arrives as the Toronto Maple Leafs forced a decisive showdown against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
The Panthers (-130) look to leverage their championship experience against a Toronto team that has lost six straight Game 7s, though momentum has shifted after the Leafs' impressive 2-0 shutout in Game 6.
Our NHL best bets breakdown examines whether Florida's playoff mettle or Toronto's desperation will prevail in what betting trends suggest could be a tight, under-total affair.
NHL best bets
| Game | Time | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 PM | Panthers ML (-130)|Toronto Maple Leafs ML (+115)|Under 5.5 Goals (-110) |
Maple Leafs vs. Panthers
Sunday, May 18
7:30 PM
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
The Panthers have shown championship mettle throughout this series, bouncing back after losing Games 1 and 2 with three straight wins before dropping Game 6.
Florida has recent Game 7 experience, winning their last two such contests including last year's Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton.
Toronto carries significant Game 7 baggage, having lost six straight decisive games dating back to 2004 when they last won against Ottawa.
Paul Maurice has an impressive 5-0 record in Game 7 situations, adding coaching experience that favors Florida.
While Joseph Woll played brilliantly for Toronto in Game 6, Florida's offensive firepower and playoff-tested roster give them the edge in this winner-take-all scenario.
Home ice advantage could prove crucial for Toronto in this Game 7, as they've already shown they can win on their home ice in Games 1 and 2.
Joseph Woll is coming off a shutout performance in Game 6, giving the Leafs tremendous confidence in their goaltending.
This series has consistently bucked expectations, with neither team managing to establish sustainable momentum across games.
Toronto's stars Matthews and Pacioretty provided the offense in Game 6, suggesting they've found their stride at the perfect time.
While history doesn't favor the Leafs in Game 7s, they've played their best hockey when facing elimination, as evidenced by their convincing road win in Game 6.
Game 7s typically feature cautious, defense-first hockey where neither team wants to make the decisive mistake.
We've seen the defensive pattern emerge in the series with just 2 total goals in Game 6 and similarly tight play in Game 4.
Goaltending has become a strength for both sides as the series has progressed, with Joseph Woll posting a shutout in Game 6.
The tension of an elimination game tends to tighten play, with coaches emphasizing responsible positioning over creative offense.
Both teams have shown they can execute defensively when needed, and with everything on the line, expect a chess match rather than a shootout.
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