The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday with just two points separating the teams in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff hunt.
The pregame narrative: Toronto has picked up points in six straight (4-0-2) and could find itself one game out of a wild-card spot with a win tonight. The Maple Leafs remain shorthanded on offence following William Nylander's placement on the injured reserve on Monday.
Check out my Panthers vs. Leafs predictions for Jan. 6, featuring a prop pick on Bobby McMann.
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Panthers vs. Leafs predictions
Best bet: Over 6 goals (-109)
The Maple Leafs have been awful defensively, and things aren't expected to improve any time soon. Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo and Jake McCabe are all sidelined.
Toronto's defensive stats:
- 27th in goals against per game (3.34)
- 32nd in shots against per game (31.3)
- 32nd in chances against per 60 (63.15)
But Toronto has outscored its defensive issues lately, averaging 4.6 goals per game in its last six, and cashing this over four times.
If you're worried about Nylander's absence bucking that trend, don't be.
The Swede missed the last four games before being placed on the IR, and the Leafs kept chugging. Auston Matthews returning to form with six goals in those contests certainly helped.
-> Don't miss out — bet on Panthers vs. Maple Leafs now!
I think the Leafs will get after a struggling Sergei Bobrovsky tonight. The two-time Vezina winner has regressed mightily this year, ranking 35th in GAA (2.84) and 48th in save percentage (.855).
Florida can contribute to this number, too. The team averages the eighth-most shots per game and should generate enough chances against Toronto's defence to pull its weight.
Key stat: The last four meetings between these teams in Toronto have gone over six goals.
NHL prop picks
McMann to score 1+ points (+106): McMann has been a consistent point producer over the last two weeks.
- The 23-year-old forward has four goals and four assists in his last eight games, cashing this wager six times.
- He's been consistently firing pucks in that span, ranking second on the team in shot attempts (37) and high-danger chances (12).
-> Bet on McMann & Matthews in Toronto tonight!
I'm most bullish on this wager because of his linemate, Matthews.
Toronto's captain is heating up, scoring a few signature goals to overtake Mats Sundin as the club's all-time leading scorer on Saturday.
Matthews holds the shortest odds to notch a point of anyone in this game at -250. Getting his winger at plus money seems like a steal.
Panthers vs. Leafs predictions made at 9:05 a.m. ET Jan. 6, 2026.
