Tag: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs odds predictions pick betting line spread

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Thursday. The Maple Leafs lead the series 3-1. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Lightning suffered back-to-back overtime losses on home ice in Game 3 (4-3, Saturday) and Game 4 (5-4, Monday) as the Maple Leafs have pushed Tampa Bay to the brink.

Tampa Bay held a 4-1 lead in Game 4 heading into the 3rd period, but Toronto got 2 goals from C Auston Matthews, including a power play marker, and D Morgan Rielly tied the game 4-4, helping to force overtime. C Alex Kerfoot was the hero in the extra session, taking advantage of a tripping call on Lightning D Mikhail Sergachev.

The Maple Leafs are looking to win their first playoff series since 2004. The last time they led a series 3-1 was in 2021 when they fell on home ice in Game 5 in overtime against the Montreal Canadiens en route to dropping the series.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lightning +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Maple Leafs -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-210) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (34-22-4, 2.65 GAA, .915 SV%, 4 SO – regular season) vs. Ilya Samsonov (27-10-5, 2.33 GAA, .919 SV%, 4 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy couldn’t hold a 4-1 lead in Game 4, allowing Matthews to get him twice, Rielly to tie it up, and Kerfoot to beat him in overtime. Vassy is just 1-3-0 with a 4.33 GAA and .856 SV% through the first 4 games, which is easily his worst playoff performance since 2019.

Samsonov turned aside 27 of the 31 shots he faced in Game 4. While he has 3 wins in 4 starts, he has a subpar 3.72 GAA and .876 SV% in this series. G Matt Murray (concussion) has resumed practicing, and if Samsonov continues to be rather mediocre, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Murray at some point soon.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

The LIGHTNING (+130) are worth a look, as you need to pick against the Maple Leafs until they prove they can win an elimination game. Toronto has lost its last 9 elimination games when it has had a chance to advance.

Carolina and Boston had chances to close out a series in the past couple of days on home ice, only to suffer disappointment. I think Tampa Bay is going to join the club and force this series back to Central Florida.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-210) will cost you over 2 times your potential return, and that’s just too much risk for not enough reward. Just play the Lightning straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-115) is the play again in Game 5.

We have had 9 or more goals in 3 of the first 4 games in this series, with the Over cashing in each matchup. The Over has cashed in 5 straight meetings between these clubs dating back to the final regular-season meeting on April 11.

There has been an average of 8.8 goals per game in this series, and we should see another high-scoring affair in Hogtown.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Lightning opened last season’s playoffs with a 5-0 stinker in Game 1 in Toronto. Tampa Bay wasn’t about to let that happen again.

Light-scoring Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, who hadn’t scored a goal in the final 20 regular-season games, opened the scoring. Anthony Cirelli then took advantage of a dumb Leafs turnover, beating a helpless Ilya Samsonov, and you could hear a pin drop at Scotiabank Arena after just 7:18.

A T.J. Brodie holding penalty late in the period gave the Lightning a chance on the power play, and Nikita Kucherov took advantage, scoring with 3.6 seconds left to stun Toronto, as the Lightning jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening game Tuesday night.

The Leafs posted a pair of power-play goals from Ryan O’Reilly and Williams Nylander, and suddenly it was just 3-2. Toronto had life, the building was alive, and all appeared to be headed in the right direction. Then, a slash on David Kampf led to a Brayden Point PPG.

Still, at 4-2, it wasn’t lights out, but an ugly hit and match penalty on Michael Bunting sucked all the air out of Toronto’s sails. Corey Perry snuck one in on the pipe, which Toronto challenged. It was upheld, and a penalty assessed for an incorrect challenge. Down 2 men, Point struck again on the power play, and it was good night, Toronto.

The teams exchanged goals in the 3rd, ending in a football score, with the Buccaneers 7, Argonauts 3. I mean, Lightning 7, Leafs 3.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Lightning at Maple Leafs Game 2 odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:54 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lightning +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Maple Leafs -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-190) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Lightning at Maple Leafs Game 2 projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (34-22-4, 2.65 GAA, .915 SV%, 4 SO – regular season) vs. Ilya Samsonov (27-10-5, 2.33 GAA, .919 SV%, 4 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy allowed 3 goals on 31 shots, with 2 of the markers with the game still in question coming on the man advantage. He allowed a late, meaningless goal to Calle Jarnkrok on a nice hockey play, but it wasn’t a big deal. Vasilevskiy looks locked in for the postseason.

Samsonov slipped to 1-7-0 all-time in the postseason with his Game 1 loss, and it’s one of the reasons the Capitals didn’t commit to him long-term, making him available to the Leafs as a UFA last summer. He had a dynamite regular season, but the ugly playoff streak continued.

It wasn’t all Sammy’s fault, however, as the Leafs put him in some untenable situations early, going shorthanded so many times. Really, he made 1, maybe 2, bad reads, so the loss shouldn’t be placed solely at his feet. Joseph Woll made his playoff debut to start the 3rd period, giving Samsonov a mental break.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Lightning at Maple Leafs Game 2 picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 5, Lightning 3

Moneyline

The MAPLE LEAFS (-160) are a risky play in what is a must-win situation before the series shifts to Tampa for Games 3 and 4. If you thought the Leafs had pressure on them heading into Game 1, it will be that times 100 in this contest.

The Lightning (+135) took advantage of some undisciplined play by the Leafs in Game 1, and I expect that coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff will address that rather loudly before Thursday’s game. Look for the Leafs to fire out of the chute and play much better in Game 2, although it’s super hard to back a team which was boat-raced by 4 in their own barn 48 hours ago.

Puck line/Against the spread

The MAPLE LEAFS -1.5 (+155) are also worth a look on the puck line.

After a 2-1 OT loss in Boston April 6, the Leafs bounced back with a 7-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Yes, it’s much different, as the Habs missed the playoffs, but the past 6 times Toronto lost to close out the regular season, it responded with a win. In 5 of those games, Toronto covered the puck line, too.

Over/Under

The Lightning managed to take care of the OVER 6 (-120) in Game 1 on their own. I expect Samsonov not to be placed in so many bad situations, and for the Leafs to be a little more urgent on the offensive end. We should see a more balanced game, with the home side coming out on top this time.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (46-30-6) visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (50-21-11) on Tuesday for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Lightning and Maple Leafs renew playoff acquaintances for the 2nd consecutive season. Tampa Bay edged Toronto 4-3 in the opening round last year, including a 2-1 win at Scotiabank Arena in Game 7.

Tampa Bay struggled down the stretch in the regular season, winning just once in the final 5 games and posting a 4-8-0 record in its last 12 outings. That includes a 4-3 loss on home ice against the Maple Leafs in the most recent meeting last Tuesday.

The Lightning won 4-3 in OT in the first meeting on Dec. 3 at Amalie Arena. The Leafs won the final 2 regular-season meetings, including a 4-1 win on Dec. 20 in the only meeting in Ontario.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Lightning at Maple Leafs Game 1 odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:05 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Lightning +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Maple Leafs -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-200) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!

Lightning at Maple Leafs Game 1 projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (34-22-4, 2.65 GAA, .915 SV%, 4 SO) vs. Ilya Samsonov (27-10-5, 2.33 GAA, .919 SV%, 4 SO)

Vasilevskiy has won 2 Stanley Cups, and he isn’t going to go quietly into the night. At the same time, there are questions about the 28-year-old, as he allowed 10 goals on 61 shots in the final 2 regular-season games, including a 4-3 loss against the Maple Leafs in Tampa last Tuesday.

Samsonov closed the season on fire, going 3-1-1 with a 1.25 GAA and .959 SV% in his final 5 regular-season outings, including a 31-save shutout in Ottawa on April 1. He did not face the Lightning in 3 regular-season meetings.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Lightning at Maple Leafs Game 1 picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Lightning 2

Moneyline

The MAPLE LEAFS (-155) are a nice play as moderate favorites on home ice.

The Leafs haven’t won a playoff series since 2004, while the Lightning have hoisted the Stanley Cup twice in the past 3 seasons and played for another title last year. However, Tampa Bay has looked quite beatable this season, not playing its usual dominating style. Is this the year Toronto finally gets over the hump for its championship-starved fans?

Well, this is just 1 game, but a loss in the series opener would be a crusher. Look for Toronto to get it done at home.

Puck line/Against the spread

The MAPLE LEAFS -1.5 (+165) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line, but it might take an empty-net goal to get this bet over the hump. Toronto won and covered the only home meeting this season against Tampa Bay by a 4-1 score, cashing as a -134 favorite.

The Lightning are also 1-6 in the past 7 on the road, and 4-11 in the past 15 against winning teams. The Leafs should fire out of the chute quickly and hang on for the win and cover, drawing first blood in the series.

Over/Under

I expect the Over/Under 6 to come right down on the number. If there was a lean, it would be to the Over, which has cashed in 7 of the past 9 in the series.

The Over is also 5-1 in the past 6 in the Conference Quarterfinals round for the Lightning, while also going 5-1 in the past 6 Conference Quarterfinals games for the Leafs, too.

Still, I’d take a PASS, and just focus on the moneyline and puck line.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 7 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 7 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 7 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Saturday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The series is tied 3-3. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The 2-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning look to keep their pursuit of a 3-peat alive in this Game 7 north of the border. The Lightning are just 1-2 in Toronto in this series, getting outscored 12-8.

The Maple Leafs haven’t won a playoff series since 2004. That’s the bad news. The good news is that they’ve lost a Game 7 on home ice just twice in franchise history. Of course, last season in the 1st round was one of those setbacks.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Maple Leafs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-230) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy allowed just 3 goals on 33 shots in a Game 6 overtime victory in Tampa, one of his finest performances of the series. He is now 3-3-0 with a 3.37 GAA and .885 SV% so far in the postseason.

Campbell was staked to a 3-2 lead late in the 2nd period, but C Brayden Point had other ideas in overtime. Campbell is playing right on part with Vasilevskiy, going 3-3-0 with a 3.33 GAA and .893 SV% through 6 playoff games.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+102) are the play as short ‘dogs against the Maple Leafs, who have just been atrocious in recent postseason history. In fact, following Toronto’s Game 6 loss in Tampa, the Leafs are now 0-9 in the past 9 tries when trying to eliminate an opponent. It’s going to be the same old story in Toronto with yet another disappointing postseason setback.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-230) are way too expensive on the puck line. Just play Tampa Bay straight up if you like them, rather than risking a ton of money for such little return.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-107) is the lean, ever so slightly. Typically a Game 7 will be on the lower-scoring side, as nerves tend to get the best of teams and goaltenders reign supreme. Even with two high-octane offenses, we’ll play the Under here.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 5 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The series is tied 2-2. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning split two games in Toronto, and they split a pair of games on home ice. No one has really been able to gather much momentum in this series, although we’ve seen plenty of goals.

The Maple Leafs have scored a total of 16 goals while yielding 14 goals, and every game has been decided by 2 or more goals. The most sure thing seems to be the Over so far.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Maple Leafs -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-240) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy bounced back from the Game 3 loss, stopping 22 of the 25 shots he faced. He is still a very ordinary 2-2 with a 3.54 GAA and .888 SV% in 4 postseason starts so far.

Campbell was yanked in Game 4 after allowing 5 goals on 16 shots. Rookie G Erik Kallgren came on and stopped all 10 of the shots he faced, although “Soup” will be back in the crease for Game 5.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Lightning 3

Money line

It’s hard to believe in a MAPLE LEAFS (-130) team which has had so much postseason misery in recent seasons. This team hasn’t made it to the second round since 2004.

However, Toronto has been showing up and scoring plenty of goals, which is a difference from years past. Back them at home, as they push the Lightning into an elimination game.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-240) is a little on the expensive side if you’d like some insurance. If you like Tampa Bay, just play them straight up. It’s not a terrible value at plus money against a team that just cannot get out of its own way across the past two decades of playoffs.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-125) is the lean, although go lightly. We’ve seen the Over cashed in the past three games, with an average of 8.33 combined goals per contest. You can’t count on the Under until things change dramatically in this series.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 2 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 2 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 2 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning were roughed up in Game 1, both on the scoreboard and with the fists. The two-time defending champs suffered a 5-0 loss and were left embarrassed and bloodied, especially after D Morgan Rielly got into a dust-up with D Jan Rutta.

Game 1 featured 113 minutes of penalties, and LW Kyle Clifford of the Leafs kicked it off with a 5-minute boarding major and game misconduct in the 1st period. That infraction led to a 1-game suspension, so look for veteran C Jason Spezza to draw in for Clifford.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:42 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Maple Leafs -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-240) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy had a rare rough outing in the series opener. The good news for Lightning fans and bettors is that Vasilevskiy is 14-0-0 with a .966 SV% and 5 shutouts during the past 2 playoff runs following a loss.

Campbell stopped 23 shots to post his 2nd-career playoff shutout, helping the Leafs grab the early series lead. He’ll need to continue that level of play if the Leafs are to oust the 2-time defending champs and win a series for the first time since 2004.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+110) were stunningly bad, and they were punched in the mouth – literally. Expect the experienced Bolts to bounce back, as it’s hard to bet against a team with a championship pedigree.

Plus, those numbers for Vasilevskiy after a playoff loss across the past 2 seasons back up the decision to roll with Tampa. He is unreal following a setback.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-240) will cost you nearly two and a half times your potential return. Tampa was bad in Game 1, but this is a Toronto team that is still fighting ghosts of playoff seasons past, having failed to get out of the first round since 2004. This is also a team that hasn’t had a championship since 1967. Until they start showing they can win in the postseason regularly, fade the Leafs.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-130) is the way to go here. While I don’t expect Tampa to get blanked again, I also don’t expect the Toronto offense to go off on Vasilevskiy like it did in Game 1. Look for a much tighter game defensively on both sides of the ice.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for Game 1 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Monday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning, winners of the past two Stanley Cups, ended up splitting the regular-season series with the Maple Leafs. Both teams won twice in four meetings, with the road team picking up a pair of victories.

The Maple Leafs haven’t won a playoff series since 2004, so there will be a lot more pressure on them than the defending champs. Toronto has picked up victories in 38 of its last 53 games at home.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:13 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Maple Leafs -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-250) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy had another tremendous regular season, but he was beatable on the road. He was 19-10-1 with a 2.77 GAA and .912 SV% and no shutouts no the road. He was 2-1-1 vs. Toronto in the regular season, posting a 2.97 GAA and .919 SV%.

Campbell was “M’m! M’m! Good!” in the final month of the season, as “Soup” went 7-0-2 with a 2.59 GAA and .915 SV% across 8 starts and 1 relief appearance in April. That includes a 32-save performance in a 6-2 win at Tampa April 4.

[tipico]

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 3

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+105) being underdogs in this series opener, and in the series odds, is ludicrous.

The Maple Leafs may have had a great regular season and are a team that boasts 60-goal scorer C Auston Matthews, but this is a team that has had terrible luck in the postseason. Toronto has failed to win a Stanley Cup since 1967 and failed to even make it to the second round since 2004. Until it shows it has changed its postseason fortunes, fade the Leafs hard.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-250) are too costly if you’re looking for some insurance and don’t trust the two-time defending champs straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-108) is worth a small-unit play.

The Over has dominated for Tampa lately, going 8-1 in its last 9 games overall and 4-1 in its last 5 outings on the road. The Over is also 7-3 in the previous 10 contests where the Lightning were underdogs.

It’s all about the Over for the Leafs, too. The Over is 32-14-6 in their last 52 games as a favorite and 38-15-7 in their last 60 overall. Toronto does it with high scoring and not with defense.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (5-3-1) face the Toronto Maple Leafs (5-4-1) Thursday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning opened with a rather dismal 2-3-1 record, but the defending champs are starting to round into form. Tampa Bay has won three straight games, outscoring the opposition 13-4 during the run. That includes a 3-2 win over Washington last time out.

The Maple Leafs have also won three straight, including a 4-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, its most complete game of the season. Toronto is outscoring the opposition 12-6 during the streak.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Maple Leafs -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-230) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -140 | U: +112)

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (5-2-1, 2.46 GAA, .915 SV%) vs. Jack Campbell (4-2-1, 1.99 GAA, .929 SV%, 1 SO)

Vasilevskiy allowed two goals on 33 shots in a 3-2 win over Washington Monday, his season-high third consecutive victory. He has allowed just four goals over the past 87 shots.

Campbell picked up the shutout against VGK, turning aside all 26 shots he faced. It was his the fifth shutout of his NHL career, and his third since Feb. 27 of last season.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The LIGHTNING (+115) are slight underdogs heading north of the border to battle the Maple Leafs (-140). The defending champs have won six of their past eight trips to Toronto, while the road team is 5-1 in the past six meetings in this series. Look for Tampa Bay to keep up its good work against Toronto.

Against the spread

The Lightning +1.5 (-230) will cost you over two times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive. If you like them, just play the money line.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-140) is the lean, but it’s only worth a small-unit play.

The Over is 3-1-1 in the past five games overall for Tampa Bay. However, the Under has dominated for Toronto lately, going 5-2 in the past seven at home dating back to last season. The Lightning’s high-octane offense will get to Campbell, who is due for a poor outing.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @WinWithJoe on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]