The Florida Panthers are making waves in the NHL playoffs this year. With their sights set on the Stanley Cup final, they are ready to take on any team that stands in their way. And they’ve got good reason to be confident: they are now favored to win their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

After a convincing victory in the first game of the series, the Panthers are minus -125 favorites, while the Leafs are at +105. That’s a big change from before the series began, when the Leafs were seen as the more likely victors.

Matthew Tkachuk is a Problem for the Leafs

One of the key reasons for the Panthers’ success so far has been the play of Matthew Tkachuk. The son of former NHL player Keith Tkachuk, Matthew has been playing like his father, and the Leafs simply don’t have an answer for him.

But it’s not just Tkachuk who is making a difference for the Panthers. The whole team is firing on all cylinders. 

Small Victories vs Big Goals

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs may have gotten a small victory by winning their first series in 20 years, but that’s not enough for a team with big goals. The Panthers are all about business as usual, and they have their eyes firmly fixed on the prize of a Stanley Cup final appearance.

So while the Leafs may have some talented players, they simply don’t have the same level of focus and determination as the Panthers. And that’s why the Panthers are likely to win this series in six games.

So if you’re a betting person, it’s time to run – not walk – to the window and put your money on the Panthers. They’re looking like the real deal, and they’re not going to let the Leafs stand in their way.