Maple Leafs vs. Panthers prediction, odds, TV schedule for 2nd round of 2023 NHL playoffs

Both the Maple Leafs and Panthers are coming off of historic first-round series wins, as Toronto and Florida get set to square off in the second round. 

The Maple Leafs finally got the first-round monkey off their back, securing the club's first playoff series win since 2004 with a victory over the Lightning. John Tavares scored the overtime winner in game 6 to seal the deal and get Toronto to the second round. 

While the Lightning arguably outplayed the Leafs for a majority of the time, the defending three-time Eastern Conference champions dropped three home games in overtime, resulting in the series win for Toronto. 

Meanwhile, the Panthers pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NHL history, knocking out the top-seeded Bruins in seven games. Florida came back from down 3-1 in the series to defeat a Boston team that finished with the most points and wins in NHL history. 

Matthew Tkachuk was instrumental in the Panthers' series win. He scored the overtime winner in Game 5 to keep Florida's season alive and was their most consistent player in the series. 

The Leafs and Panthers have never played against one another in the postseason. The winner of this series will play in the Eastern Conference Final. 

NHL PLAYOFFS: FULL BRACKET | PREDICTIONS

Here's what you need to know about the series between the Maple Leafs and the Panthers. 

Key storyline: Can the Maple Leafs 'Core Four' continue its postseason dominance?

It doesn't take a hockey nerd to figure out that having your best players come through in clutch moments is going to lead to success. 

That was evident in the Maple Leafs' series against the Lightning. Toronto's "Core Four" of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares combined for 13 goals, 21 assists and 34 points for the club, with Tavares scoring the series-clinching goal in Game 6. Those four singlehandedly produced over half of the Maple Leafs' 23 goals against the Lightning and over half of the team's points. 

The Leafs stars got rid of the narrative that they can't perform in the playoffs with strong showings last year. This year, they have a chance at continuing to produce past the first round of the playoffs. 

Again, it's simple, but you need your best players to play at their best in the biggest moments. For Toronto to continue its 2023 playoff ride, those stars have to keep shining. 

Maple Leafs vs. Panthers playoff schedule, TV channels

* If necessary

Maple Leafs vs. Panthers odds

The odds for this second-round matchup have not been released on Sports Interaction. The Sporting News will update this section once odds are available. 

Maple Leafs: TBD

Panthers: TBD

Maple Leafs vs. Panthers prediction

The Panthers are a great story. The David that already knocked down Goliath.

With that said, this Maple Leafs team feels like getting out of the first round was the first domino to fall. It's still early, but the 2023 Toronto club has that magic feel to it. 

Florida will continue to follow the pattern of the 2019 Blue Jackets who stunned the Lightning and bow out in the second round. 

Prediction: Maple Leafs in six.