NHL Playoff Updates: Maple Leafs Face Panthers and Stars Battle Jets

TORONTO, Canada — The NHL playoffs are heating up as two games are scheduled for Wednesday, May 7. The Toronto Maple Leafs, currently leading their series 1-0 against the Florida Panthers, will face off at 7 p.m. ET. In the later game, the Dallas Stars will play the Winnipeg Jets starting at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Toronto’s goaltender Anthony Stolarz had to leave Game One after suffering an injury due to an elbow from Sam Bennett of the Panthers. Stolarz was taken to the hospital, and Joseph Woll will be in goal for the Leafs tonight. Woll has a solid track record, including a notable performance in last year’s playoffs where he won two games against the Boston Bruins.

On the offensive side, William Nylander has been exceptional, scoring two goals in consecutive games and having a total of eight goals in his last nine playoff games. Other key players for the Leafs include Max Pacioretty, who has recently shown strong performance with four points in his last two games.

The Panthers will have a boost with the return of Aaron Ekblad, who had been suspended. Last year, Ekblad contributed significantly against the Leafs, scoring five points in their playoff matchup.

Meanwhile, in Winnipeg, the Stars and Jets are set to battle after both teams achieved emotional victories in Game Seven of their previous series. The Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck is looking to build on his playoff performance, where he had some shaky moments but is coming off a victory. Mark Scheifele is expected to return, while Josh Morrissey could be absent due to injury.

Mikko Rantanen of the Stars enters the matchup as a player to watch, coming off a strong showing in his last three games. Rantanen scored 11 points total in those games. Kyle Connor, on the other side, has been solid in the playoffs for the Jets, scoring points in four consecutive games.

The odds for both games reflect the tight competition as teams strive for advancement in the playoffs.