Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The first three games between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs have been messy.
There have been comebacks, injuries, controversial calls, and some porous goaltending, all of which have led to a 2-1 series lead for Toronto with Game 4 taking place on Sunday evening in Sunrise, Fla.
The Maple Leafs and Panthers are coloring outside the lines, with each team trying to win the battle after the whistle (and in the media), as well as on the ice.
The frenetic nature of this series has completely leveled the playing field, with the underdog Maple Leafs winning two of the first three contests and getting Game 3 to overtime despite being badly outplayed at 5-on-5 for the majority of the series so far.
Florida has registered 75 more shot attempts, created 45 more scoring chances, and generated 16 more high-danger opportunities than Toronto through three games at 5-on-5, but it’s the Leafs with a plus-2 goal difference (11 GF, 9 GA) at full strength.
While the Leafs have certainly had the rub of the green through their first nine playoff games, they’ve also executed a solid game plan.
Throughout the regular season, there were a lot of skeptics who thought Toronto’s passive style of play — which puts an emphasis on trying to prevent high-danger scoring chances over getting possession — would not translate well in the playoffs.
Betting on the NHL?
- Check out the best NHL betting sites
- Read our expert guide on how to bet on the NHL
That hasn’t been the case so far, with Toronto winning six of its first nine games this postseason and getting to overtime in two of its three losses.
The Leafs have spent more time leading than any other team in the playoffs so far.
Toronto is more than comfortable sitting back, absorbing pressure, and hitting back on the rush, and with their top players in good form, that makes them a very dangerous team, even if there’s a good shot they get outchanced at 5-on-5.
The Play: Maple Leafs +146 (FanDuel)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.