As the NHL playoffs continue to surge forward, Friday 9 May 2025 delivers two crucial second-round matchups with serious implications for the Stanley Cup race. The Toronto Maple Leafs are defying their post-season demons with a surprising 2-0 series lead over the reigning champion Florida Panthers, heading into hostile territory for Game 3. Meanwhile, in the Central Division showdown, the Winnipeg Jets will look to regain home-ice advantage against the Dallas Stars, who are riding the wave of Mikko Rantanen’s historic playoff form.
Each fixture offers a compelling mix of narratives—from redemption arcs to injury storylines and record-breaking individual performances. With momentum up for grabs and series trajectories hanging in the balance, bettors and fans alike will be glued to every face-off, breakaway, and glove save.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers
Match Info
- NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs – Second Round
- Friday 9th May 2025, 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (10 May)
- Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida, USA
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have silenced doubters through two games, and their determination to rewrite a decades-long post-season script is palpable. Carrying a 2-0 series lead, Toronto has shown versatility—clinging to leads in Game 1 and surging back in Game 2. Joseph Woll, called into action following Anthony Stolarz’s injury, has proven his mettle in the crease, bringing poise and consistency. William Nylander continues to shine, stepping into the offensive spotlight with six goals and seven assists across eight playoff contests, while stars like Auston Matthews and John Tavares remain unusually quiet. But with grit, resilience, and a confident goaltender, Toronto is suddenly looking like a legitimate contender.
Florida Panthers
Despite trailing in the series, the Panthers know this fight is far from over—especially on home ice. However, concerning trends are emerging. Sergei Bobrovsky, dominant in Round 1, has conceded nine goals in just two games. Star forwards like Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aleksander Barkov have failed to impact the scoresheet meaningfully. It’s been Florida’s third line doing the heavy lifting so far, but if the Panthers hope to climb back into the series, their core players must wake up. A return to Sunrise offers hope, but they must contain Toronto’s rush attack and improve defensive coverage across all lines.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to win
Toronto is brimming with confidence, while Florida appears rattled and out of sync defensively. With Woll in form and Nylander in the zone, the Leafs have the edge—even away from home.
America Bet Score Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs 4 – 2 Florida Panthers
Expect Toronto to maintain offensive pressure and convert on their chances, while the Panthers continue to search for answers in their top lines.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win
- Over 5.5 total goals
- William Nylander to score anytime
- Toronto Maple Leafs first to score
- Florida Panthers under 3.5 goals
- Mitch Marner to register a point
- Both teams to score in the first period
- Toronto to win with a -1.5 handicap
- Joseph Woll over 29.5 saves
- Sam Reinhart under 0.5 points
Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets
Match Info
- NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs – Second Round
- Friday 9th May 2025, 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (10 May)
- Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Dallas Stars
Dallas has discovered a postseason X-factor in Mikko Rantanen, and it’s transforming their Stanley Cup prospects. After a quiet start to the playoffs, Rantanen has exploded for back-to-back hat tricks, including a blistering second period in Game 1 against Winnipeg. Since Game 5 of the previous round, Rantanen has 14 points in just four games—accounting for all of Dallas’ goals in that span. The Stars may have finished second in the Central, but their recent form, and Rantanen’s streak, make them look like a juggernaut. If this momentum continues, they may not just beat Winnipeg—they could steamroll them.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are under pressure. After topping the Central Division during the regular season and dominating Dallas in head-to-head matchups, Winnipeg now faces the reality of having lost home-ice advantage. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck has looked human after a rock-solid regular season, and though Mark Scheifele returned with a goal, the Jets didn’t play with the intensity needed in Game 1. Coach Scott Arniel will demand a higher tempo and more urgency from his side, who looked sluggish and uninspired. Game 2 is a must-win if Winnipeg wants to avoid heading to Dallas with their season on the brink.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Dallas Stars to win
With Rantanen on a historic run and Winnipeg still reeling from their Game 1 defeat, Dallas is poised to strike again—even in enemy territory.
America Bet Score Prediction
Dallas Stars 3 – 2 Winnipeg Jets
Expect a tighter contest, but Dallas’ scoring firepower should edge out a Jets team still trying to find its playoff gear.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Dallas Stars to win
- Mikko Rantanen to score anytime
- Under 6.5 total goals
- Dallas Stars first to score
- Mikko Rantanen to score 2+ goals
- Winnipeg Jets under 3.5 goals
- Connor Hellebuyck over 28.5 saves
- Both teams to score in the second period
- Game to be tied after first period
- Dallas to win by exactly 1 goal
