Maple Leafs vs. Bruins Prediction
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost a thrilling seven-game series against the Boston Bruins in the first round of last year’s playoffs. Can Toronto get off to a good start in the rematch first round series tonight in Game 1 at Boston?
Game Snapshot
11 Toronto Maple Leafs at 12 Boston Bruins
Thursday, April 11, 2019
TD Garden at 7PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Bruins are a -135 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Maple Leafs are a +115 underdog, while the over-under is set at 6 goals. As of Thursday morning, 66 percent of public bets are being placed on host Boston. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Maple Leafs struggle down stretch
Toronto lost 11 of its last 16 games to limp into the playoffs with a 46-28-8 record and 100 points. Young center Mitch Marner led the Maple Leafs offense this season with 26 goals and 68 assists while free agent signing John Tavares accounted for 47 goals and 41 assists. Auston Mathews tallied 37 goals and 36 assists in 68 games. Goaltending duties fall to Frederik Andersen after he racked up a 36-16-7 record plus a 2.77 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage over 60 games. One injury of note is key defenseman Jake Muzzin (undisclosed), who is expected to return for Game 1.
Bruins finish with second-best record in EC
Boston ended the regular season with a 49-24-9 record and 107 points, good for second-best in the Eastern Conference. The Bruins overcame some injuries this season and should be mostly healthy for Game 1 tonight. Boston was led in part this season by left winger Brad Marchand as he accumulated 36 goals and 64 assists in 79 games. Fellow left winger David Pastrnak finished with 38 goals and 43 assists despite missing 16 games. Center Patrice Bergeron accounted for 32 goals and 47 assists in 65 games, while center David Krejci notched 20 goals and 53 assists in 81 games. Tuukka Rask registered a 27-13-5 record, 2.48 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage in 46 games. Jaroslav Halak had a 22-11-4 record plus a 2.34 GAA and .922 save percentage over 40 games.
NHL Betting Trends
Toronto
The Maple Leafs are 2-5 in their last seven road games. Toronto is 1-4 in its last five games as a road underdog.
Boston
The Bruins are 4-1 in their last five Thursday games. Boston is 20-8 in its last 28 games overall.
Prediction:
Toronto will have revenge on its mind this series, but with the way it is entering the playoffs it still needs to figure some things out. Boston had a strong season and appears to have a mostly full slate of guys available for Game 1. It looks as though Rask will be in goal for Game 1 despite Halak having the stronger season. Rask has played in a ton of important games in his career and I expect him to take care of business. Expect the Bruins to get the first blow in with a Game 1 win.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: BOSTON BRUINS -135