Panthers

leafs are tougher so them

Gudas has 154 hits in 35 games played and Weegar has 104 in 37 games played

Panthers - better forwards , shooting talent and the better top pair D. Leafs have better goaltending but it wouldn't be enough.

nope, leafs are tougher, much tougher. Panthers are too soft for playoff hockey. One a single playoff round since 1996. Just soft

I am a Leafs fan but my prediction is Panthers in 4. Not because the Leafs are not as deep or talented, they don't have the ability to adjust against these fast, disciplined teams. They are extremely slow possession team by preferring to hold onto the puck along the perimeter and hope to generate a pass to the slot or rebound. It works against bad teams but when they play a team that is good defensively, they can be very easily be picked off. That's why they struggled vs PIT, COL and MIN. Either it's a coaching issue or a matter of the players being extremely limited when it comes to adapting to tactical changes.

the leafs have a pretty good record against fast skilled teams, the teams they struggle with are slow trap teams that can get away with murder in the playoffs, and even then only really have a hard time when that team also gets crazy goaltending. The Leafs would put up, at the very least, a good fight against the Panthers, especially since the panthers goaltending could fall apart as fast as bob's hip lets go again

The Panthers would edge Toronto in 7 games

No one. Neither team are allowed by fate to win a 1st round series. A major covid strain would manifest itself in North America, wreak havoc and cancel the playoffs.

I don't think FLA's defence or goaltending outside the first pair is tremendous. And I agree with your analysis, during the playoffs opposing players can just grab and interefere the puck carrier in order to pick him off. That's why a lot of people think they should trade Marner, he lacks the speed and strength to gain separation and is the embodiment of the problem. I disagree, but I also don't see the benefit in keeping him.

marner's issue in the playoffs is all in his head. He simply tries to do to much and it has nothing to do with his ability to get away from players. The problem isnt that he cant get to where he is succesfull it's that when he gets there he either tries to superman it through 5 guys or he goes for the video game pass instead of the easy pass or shot.

Panthers in 5.

I agree the Leafs are a deep team this year but playoff structured teams have figured out the Leafs. Play hard and physical on the star players and they will get frustrated

The Panthers are deeper, tougher, they break out quicker, and they don't get jinxed by national media outlets every year.

Panthers. They have both a great top 6 and great depth.

Look at the standings. Bruins are closing on the the Leafs and Panthers, admitting the Bruins have to win games in hand. Lots of different playoff scenarios in the Atlantic.