Maple Leafs vs. Bruins Prediction
The Boston Bruins lost out on the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs on the final day of the regular season, instead falling to the second seed. Will Boston bounce back tonight in Game 1 of its quarterfinals series versus the upset-minded Toronto Maple Leafs.
Game Snapshot
11 Toronto Maple Leafs at 12 Boston Bruins
TD Garden at 7PM ET
TV: NBC Sports Network
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Bruins are listed as a -165 favorite on the moneyline. The Maple Leafs are a +145 underdog, while the total is set at 6 goals. As of Thursday morning, 53 percent of publc bets are being placed on the host Bruins. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Bruins blew chance at better matchup
The Toronto Maple Leafs have enough firepower to pull off a first round upset, especially if Boston comes out cold on its home ice. But the Bruins could have had an easier first round matchup against the New Jersey Devils if they had not lost as huge favorites in their final game of the regular season, falling 4-2 at home to the Panthers. Boston ended up losing four of its last five games to fall behind Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference standings. One factor in the Bruins’ fading is injuries, but most key players should be back for Game 1 so there are no more excuses going forward for one of the favorites to reach the Stanley Cup Finals.
Few as explosive as Matthews
Toronto struggled at times during the weeks star center Auston Matthews missed with a shoulder injury, but the Maple Leafs’ offense has kicked up a notch since his return the last few weeks. Toronto has gone 6-4 in its last 10 games and in each victory at least four goals were scored by the Maple Leafs. Matthews has scored five goals in his last six games entering the postseason, while he has also tallied an assist in five straight games and seven of nine contests since returning from the injury on March 22 after missing exactly a month. For the season, Matthews registered 34 goals and 29 assists in 62 games.
NHL Betting Trends
Toronto
The Maple Leafs are 7-1 in the last eight meetings. Toronto is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Boston. The over is 6-1 in the Maple Leafs’ last seven road games.
Boston
The over is 3-0-3 in the last six Bruins home games. The over is 4-0-2 in the last six Boston games versus an opponent with a losing road record. The under is 3-0-1 in the last four Bruins games on Thursday.
Prediction:
I think this is a great opportunity for Toronto to take advantage of Boston not clicking on all cylinders right now. This is a chance for Matthews to shine in front of a national television audience and I predict he will end this game with multiple points and lead the Maple Leafs to the upset victory. The Bruins might turn it around quickly, but I think this has the makings of a series that goes six or maybe seven games. The best way for that to happen is if Toronto steals this one.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS +145