Published Jan 6, 3:25am EST by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jan 6, 3:25am EST
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jan 6, 3:25am EST
Standout action from the Eastern Conference is set for the NHL on Jan 6, as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers. Find our picks for the matchup here.
It has been a disappointing campaign for the Leafs, and they come into this round sitting second-bottom in the Atlantic Division after losing half of their last ten games.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have reignited their hopes of a third straight Stanley Cup following victories in six of their last ten games.
|
|
|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +113 |
| Florida Panthers | -128 |
It has been ten years since the Maple Leafs last missed out on the playoffs, but that could change this season.
Toronto have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign, and that sees them sit second bottom in the Atlantic Division standings. The Leafs have gone 19-15-7 overall this season, and they have won five of their last ten. However, defensively, they have been extremely poor throughout the campaign, allowing the second-highest tally of goals in the division.
They come into this clash following a 4-3 overtime loss against the New York Islanders. Austin Matthews was the shining light in the defeat, scoring twice.
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The Florida Panthers will have ambitions of winning a third straight Stanley Cup in 2026.
They come into this round of games sitting fourth in the Atlantic Division standings, and their recent form has been reliable after winning six of their last ten. They showed their class in their latest outing, as they recorded a 2-1 win against the in-form Colorado Avalanche.
Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett scored the goals in the win. However, their record on the road this season would be a slight concern, as they have gone 8-7-0 away from Amerant Bank Arena in 2025-26.
| TOTAL | Panthers | Maple Leafs | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 119 | 56 | 56 | - |
| GOALS | 710 | 365 | 345 |
The Panthers have been inconsistent on the road in the NHL this season, and they have a losing record at the Scotiabank Arena against Toronto. Therefore, the narrow preference is for the home win when making Panthers vs. Maple Leafs picks on Tuesday.
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Pick
Toronto Maple Leafs (+113)
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