Drake’s $1M Bet Backfires: Florida Panthers Crush Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 - (2025)

Updated: 13/06/2025

Despite the excitement surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs' Game 7 matchup against the Florida Panthers, the shadow of the infamous “Drake Curse” loomed large as rapper Drake placed a substantial $1 million bet on his hometown team. The game took a surprising turn as the Panthers emerged victorious with a commanding 6-1 win, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Drake, known for his superstitious betting streak, made a post on his Instagram story post-game, attempting to shift blame onto fellow Canadian pop star Justin Bieber for the Maple Leafs' disappointing loss.

The Florida Panthers quickly seized control of the critical Game 7, building a formidable 3-0 lead after two periods of play. The pressure intensified when Maple Leafs forward Max Domi managed to score the team's sole goal early in the third period, providing a glimmer of hope. However, the Panthers retaliated with three unanswered goals, cementing their dominance and ultimately extinguishing any chances of a Maple Leafs comeback. This defeat marks the Maple Leafs' eighth consecutive Game 7 loss, solidifying their status with the second-longest losing streak in NHL history, trailing only behind the New York Rangers.

Drake's betting history is marred by a chain of unfortunate events. In a reminiscent episode from 2024, the rapper backed the Edmonton Oilers for the Stanley Cup and the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA Finals. Both teams ended up being outplayed, with the Panthers triumphing over the Oilers and the Celtics prevailing over the Mavericks. This consistent trend has sparked discussions about the rapper's influence on the outcomes of high-stakes games, earning the label of the “Drake Curse” among sports enthusiasts.

The blame game ensued post-game, with Drake pointing fingers at Justin Bieber, who was spotted fervently supporting the Maple Leafs from behind the team's bench during the crucial Game 7. While both Canadian icons are known for their unwavering loyalty to their respective teams, Drake's attempt to deflect responsibility onto Bieber added a new dimension to the ongoing narrative surrounding the “Drake Curse.” The tension between superstition and fandom in sports reached new heights as fans speculated on the repercussions of this public feud among Toronto's prominent supporters.

As the Florida Panthers celebrate their triumph and prepare for the upcoming challenge against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, the Maple Leafs are left to grapple with their disappointing Game 7 defeat and the weight of historical trends working against them. The “Drake Curse” continues to cast a shadow over high-stakes sports bets and celebrity affiliations, reminding fans of the unpredictable nature of competition and the enduring influence of superstition in the world of sports.

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