As the Stanley Cup Playoffs heat up, Wednesday, 7th May 2025 promises another thrilling matchday with two enticing Eastern and Western Conference matchups. In the East, the Toronto Maple Leafs will aim to build on a dramatic Game 1 victory as they host the Florida Panthers. With goaltending issues and physical battles dominating the narrative, tensions are high in this second-round series.
Meanwhile, the Western Conference delivers a fresh chapter in the postseason as the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars open their second-round clash. Both teams are riding the high of dramatic Game 7 heroics, but injuries loom large and could play a defining role in Game 1. With momentum, fitness, and tactical nous all in the spotlight, here’s our in-depth look at each game on tonight’s NHL slate.
Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs
Match Info
- Eastern Conference Playoffs – Round 2, Game 2
- Wednesday 7th May 2025 – 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (Thursday)
- Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Florida Panthers
The defending Stanley Cup champions arrive in Toronto with a point to prove. Having dropped Game 1 in a 5-4 thriller, Florida will need to tighten their defensive structure and rediscover the composed, physical style that made them so formidable last year. Coach Paul Maurice’s squad didn’t find their rhythm until late in the opener, and that slow start proved costly. The return of Aaron Ekblad from suspension will bring a much-needed boost to the Panthers’ blue line, offering more stability and balance in defensive pairings. However, their offensive core – particularly Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart – must raise their game after being neutralised on Monday. With Carter Verhaeghe showing flashes of creativity with two assists, the Panthers need more end product if they’re to level the series before returning home.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto come into Game 2 with renewed belief and a gritty identity under coach Craig Berube. While their 5-4 win came at a cost – with starting goalie Anthony Stolarz ruled out after a troubling in-game incident – the Leafs will turn to Joseph Woll between the pipes. The Leafs have made it clear: retaliation isn’t the focus, discipline is. That message has resonated well with players like Max Pacioretty, who continues to thrive in a complementary role alongside stars William Nylander and John Tavares. His physical presence and creative link-up play are proving vital. With offensive depth firing and a home crowd roaring them on, Toronto are determined to stay composed, aggressive, and opportunistic.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
The Leafs have found a strong playoff rhythm and their forward depth is proving difficult to handle. With the home crowd behind them and momentum from Game 1, they should edge another close contest.
America Bet Score Prediction
Florida Panthers 3 – 4 Toronto Maple Leafs
Expect another high-scoring game with both offences clicking, but Toronto’s composure and adaptability may just make the difference late on.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Max Pacioretty to record a point
- William Nylander to score anytime
- Both teams to score in the first period
- Carter Verhaeghe over 0.5 assists
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win by exactly 1 goal
- Joseph Woll over 29.5 saves
- Aleksander Barkov to have 2+ points
- First goal scored within 7 minutes of puck drop
Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets
Match Info
- Western Conference Playoffs – Round 2, Game 1
- Wednesday 7th May 2025 – 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (Thursday)
- Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
Dallas Stars
Dallas arrive in Winnipeg brimming with confidence after their remarkable comeback over the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 in regulation – a comeback led by Mikko Rantanen’s late-game heroics and Wyatt Johnston’s game-winner. Now, as they prepare to face the Jets, the key question is whether Jason Robertson is fit enough to return. If so, Dallas will be bolstered by one of their most dangerous offensive weapons. However, the continued absence of defenceman Miro Heiskanen and fourth-liner Colin Blackwell presents a challenge. Goalie Jake Oettinger will be pivotal; his past performances against Winnipeg show consistency, and his form may be decisive in setting the tone for the series.
Winnipeg Jets
Fresh off an unforgettable double-overtime Game 7 victory against the St. Louis Blues, the Jets will hope their dramatic finish can translate into playoff momentum. The absence of top contributors Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, and Logan Stanley could hurt – all remain game-time decisions. If they miss out, Winnipeg will need players like Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor to shoulder the burden, especially with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck expected to see significant traffic. Hellebuyck’s strong record against Dallas offers hope, but the defence in front of him must rise to the occasion. If the Jets can replicate the tenacity they showed in Game 7, they’ll remain a formidable force on home ice.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Dallas Stars to win
The Stars are more settled with their lineup and come in with slightly less injury disruption. With Oettinger in net and momentum on their side, they’re poised to take an early lead in the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
Dallas Stars 3 – 2 Winnipeg Jets (OT)
This has all the makings of a tight opener, and with Winnipeg’s fitness questions, Dallas may just edge it in overtime thanks to their depth and big-game experience.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Dallas Stars to win (including OT)
- Under 6.5 total goals
- Game to go to overtime
- Mikko Rantanen to score anytime
- Jason Robertson to register a point (if confirmed in lineup)
- Connor Hellebuyck over 31.5 saves
- First period to end tied
- Dallas Stars to win by 1 goal
- Jake Oettinger to record a win
- Both teams to score in the second period
