TORONTO – May 6, 2025 – Bettors backing the Toronto Maple Leafs on the moneyline in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series were celebrating early Monday night, as William Nylander exploded for two goals and an assist in the first period, leading the Leafs to a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena.
It was a fast-paced, high-scoring affair that smashed through the game total (O/U 5.5 or 6 at most sportsbooks) before the third period even began, making over bettors very happy.
🔥 Nylander Delivers as Anytime Goalscorer and First Goal Scorer
Nylander, who closed around +155 to score anytime and +1000 to score first at most major sportsbooks, hit both props within the opening 13 minutes. For player prop bettors, it was a dream start, as Nylander’s multi-point night also cashed over 1.5 points (+160).
Toronto’s early offensive surge paid off for first-period ML and puck line bettors, while the Leafs to win and both teams to score was another popular market that came through.
💪 Leafs Support Scorers: Tanev, Knies Step Up
Outside of Nylander’s fireworks, Chris Tanev and Matthew Knies each tallied a goal and an assist, with Knies scoring a late insurance goal that became crucial after Florida mounted a third-period rally. His anytime goalscorer odds ranged from +350 to +425 depending on the book.
Morgan Rielly also added a goal to become the franchise’s all-time playoff goals leader among defensemen, while Max Pacioretty and Jake McCabe each notched two assists.
🧤 Goaltending Drama Impacts In-Play Action
Toronto starter Anthony Stolarz exited in the second period after an apparent injury, pushing backup Joseph Woll into a high-pressure situation. For live bettors, the shift led to major price swings as the Panthers closed the gap in the third.
Florida scored three third-period goals, including one from Sam Bennett with under two minutes to go, leading to a sweaty finish for Leafs -1.5 bettors. The Panthers +1.5 spread hit in most markets, while Toronto ML backers still got the win at around -135 pregame.
🎯 Betting Breakdown – Game 1
- Moneyline: ✅ Toronto (-135)
- Puck Line: ❌ Toronto -1.5 (+175) | ✅ Florida +1.5 (-210)
- Total Goals (O/U 5.5 or 6): ✅ Over
- First Goal Scorer: ✅ William Nylander (+1000)
- Anytime Scorers: ✅ Nylander, ✅ Rielly, ✅ Knies, ✅ Tanev
- Live Betting Swings: High volatility after goaltender change; Leafs hit -400 during 4-1 lead
🔮 Looking Ahead – Game 2 Odds
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Toronto (7:00 p.m. ET). Early markets show:
- Toronto ML: -140
- Florida ML: +120
- Total Goals: 6.5 (O -120 / U +100)
- Nylander Anytime Goal: +140
- Knies Anytime Goal: +360
- First Goal Scorer: Auston Matthews +700 | Nylander +950 | Verhaeghe +1100
📈 Bettor’s Edge: What We Learned
- Toronto’s top-six forwards continue to drive scoring props, especially with Nylander red hot.
- Over markets remain viable as both teams push the pace.
- Florida showed serious pushback late, making live Panthers bets worth monitoring if trailing again.
Stay tuned to BetNewsUpdate.com for Game 2 picks, updated odds, and live betting trends.
