NHL Predictions: January 6th Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs

As the Toronto Maple Leafs get ready to host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, this feels like another Atlantic Division game for a team that has been inconsistent but is still clinging to a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. Toronto sits with a record of 19–15–7. They are holding down seventh place in the Atlantic Division and trying to climb back into contention. Meanwhile, Florida enters at 22–16–3, just ahead in the division but also looking to gain ground and pull further from the pack. With both clubs within striking distance of each other in a crowded wild-card conversation, the urgency from puck drop should be palpable. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey. Tonight it’s Panthers versus Leafs.

NHL Predictions: Panthers vs Maple Leafs and What to Watch

2025–26 Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Panthers

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch: Sportsnet Ontario, ESPN+, TNT

Panthers Lean on Speed and Experience

Florida arrives in Toronto as a team built to attack with speed and depth. Even without key veterans like Aleksander Barkov (out for the season) and power forward Matthew Tkachuk (also sidelined), the Panthers still pose a major challenge offensively. Brad Marchand leads the way with 23 goals and 45 points, and his veteran presence provides consistent production and pressure on Toronto’s defence.

The Panthers generate consistent scoring chances and do well in transition, making them dangerous every time they cross the blue line. Florida has shown it can score against strong competition, and even if it has struggled at times, its depth makes it capable of exploiting defensive mistakes.

Leafs Must Show Urgency and Structure

For Toronto, this is another game where urgency can’t be an afterthought. The Leafs have been inconsistent this season, partly due to injuries. Chris Tanev is out long-term with a groin injury, and Toronto continues to be without Brandon Carlo and Anthony Stolarz. While William Nylander recently missed time with lower-body issues, both were skating and expected to be game-time decisions, giving Toronto at least potential star power.

Toronto needs to play a complete 60-minute game. The Leafs must play disciplined hockey down low, win puck battles, and eliminate soft turnovers that can quickly turn into Panther chances. At five-on-five, Toronto must maintain pressure in the offensive zone without overcommitting and opening itself up to counterattacks.

Special teams will also be important. Toronto’s power play has shown flashes of life recently but remains towards the bottom-of-the-league. Florida’s penalty kill is effective, but if Toronto earns chances with the man advantage, it needs to be direct, quick on the puck, and disciplined.

NHL Prediction

Final Score Prediction: Panthers win 4–3

This should be a tightly contested battle with high pace and multiple lead changes. Florida’s depth and transition game give it a slight edge, especially if Toronto’s stars are limited. However, the Leafs have enough talent to hang around and make this a back-and-forth affair. Expect this game to be close through 60 minutes, with Florida’s ability to finish in scoring areas pushing them just ahead late.

Best Betting Angles:

• Moneyline: Panthers
• Total Goals: Over 6.0 — both teams can score at a high rate
• Player Prop: Brad Marchand anytime goal

Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images