Tag: Toronto Maple Leafs betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Boston Bruins visit the Toronto Maple Leafs for Game 4 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Saturday. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TBS/CBC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bruins vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Boston gained control of the series with a 4-2 win Wednesday to cash as a -102 road underdog. LW Brad Marchand led the way with 2 goals and an assist, while 6 difference Bruins players were credited with at least 1 assist.

After stealing Game 2 on the road, Toronto dropped a crucial Game 3 at home while failing to cash as a -108 favorite. LW Tyler Bertuzzi and LW Matthew Knies each scored, but it was not enough to curb a 3-goal 3rd period from the Bruins.

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

Bruins 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 noon ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bruins -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Maple Leafs -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins +1.5 (-275) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+220)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Bruins at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (25-10-8, 2.53 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Ilya Samsonov (23-7-8, 3.13 GAA, .890 SV%, 3 SO)

Swayman has been a top goaltender in the NHL this season. His GAA is good for 8th-best, while his SV% is tied for 5th-best. He can be attributed as part of the reason for Boston’s success, especially in this series in which he has allowed just 3 goals in 2 games.

Samsonov ranks 38th or below in both GAA and SV%, while his record is tied for 17th-best in the league. He has allowed 2 or more goals in each of the 3 games this series, totaling 9 overall. The Leafs will need Samsonov to perform well for a shot at a win Saturday.

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

Bruins at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline

BET BRUINS (-105).

Boston has scored 4 or more goals twice in this series, while Toronto has not scored more than 3 goals in any of the 3 games.

While the Maple Leafs have home-ice advantage, they are 0-3 in their last 3 home games and just 1-4 in their last 5 overall.

Expect the Bruins to take a commanding lead in the series with a win Saturday.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is no value on the puck line in either direction.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 6 (-120).

The Bruins have scored 2 or fewer goals in 4 of their last 7 games and allowed 3 or fewer in each of their last 5 and 8 of their last 10.

The Leafs have scored 3 or fewer goals in each game this series and in 4 of their last 5.

Until the 3-goal period from the Bruins Wednesday, it was a tight-knit game, which should be expected again Saturday.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The series is tied 1-1. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bruins vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Maple Leafs, who were +135 underdogs, beat the Bruins 3-2 in Game 2 Monday as the Under (6) hit.

The Maple Leafs allowed a power-play goal to Morgan Geekie midway through the 1st period, and it looked like same old Toronto in Boston. It was down, the TD Garden crowd was wild, and the Bruins looked to be on their way.

However, Toronto notched a goal from Max Domi just 14 seconds after the PPG, simmering the crowd down. While David Pastrnak gave the team a lead at 19:52 of the 1st period, the Leafs answered again.

Captain John Tavares scored a power-play goal with assists to Auston Matthews and Tyler Bertuzzi, and that leveled things at 2-2 going to the room after 2. Matthews connected for what stood up as the game-winning tally at 12:06, grabbing his 3rd point of the night to even the series. It was huge for Matthews, as he was blanked in Game 1.

Boston’s Brad Marchand had a helper in Game 2, and he now has 7 goals and 24 points in 23 career playoff games against Toronto.

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

Bruins 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 12:05 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bruins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Maple Leafs -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins +1.5 (-275) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+220)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Bruins at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (25-10-8, 2.53 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO in regular season) vs. Ilya Samsonov (23-7-8, 3.13 GAA, .890 SV%, 3 SO in regular season)

The Bruins went with the goaltender rotation in Game 2, going with Linus Ullmark instead of Game 1 winner Swayman. Ullmark wasn’t bad, per se, but he allowed 3 goals on 34 shots in the loss. Swayman turned aside 35 of the 36 shots he faced, and it’s hard to imagine we see the rotation continue if he gets the win in Game 3.

Samsonov was much more locked in for Game 2 than in the series opener. In Game 1, he allowed 4 goals on 24 shots, as he and the defense were snowed under. On Monday, Samsonov allowed just 2 goals on 29 shots, with one of them coming on the man advantage. He tracked the puck well in the final 2 periods, allowing nothing.

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

Bruins at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

The BRUINS (-110) are worth a look on the road in Game 3.

The Maple Leafs (-110) have a lot of ghosts following them around. This team hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967, and it has advanced past the 1st round just once (last season) since 2004. Whenever you think things are moving in a positive direction, this team seems to take 1 step backward.

Boston has won the past 3 skates in Toronto, and 2 of those victories since Jan. 14, 2023, have come by at least 3 goals. Until the Leafs can consistently win on home ice, back the more proven winner.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Maple Leafs +1.5 (-220) are just too expensive on home ice if you want some insurance and can’t trust Toronto straight up.

AVOID, and just play the moneyline instead if you like the home side.

Over/Under

OVER 6 (+100) is a bit of a risky play considering we saw a total of 11 goals, or 5.5 GPG, in the 1st 2 games in Boston.

The shift to Toronto could mean more scoring. The Under has cashed in 2 of the past 3 meetings at Scotiabank Arena, and the Leafs have seen the total go high at a 6-2-1 clip in the past 9 skates at home since March 16. Roll high, but go lightly.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Monday. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Bruins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Playoffs series: Bruins lead 1-0 after 5-1 win in Game 1 on Saturday

The Maple Leafs fell behind 1-0 in the 1st period after just 2:26, as John Beecher scored, with helpers to Jesper Boqvist and Pat Maroon. The floodgates opened in the 2nd period, however, as Ilya Samsonov allowed an even-strength goal to Brandon Carlo, and 2 power-play goals to Jake DeBrusk.

The Leafs finally answered with a David Kampf even-strength goal at 1:39 of the 3rd period, with Connor Dewar and Ryan Reaves notching assists. But you’ll notice that Auston Matthews, who had 69 goals in the regular season, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, William Nylander and all of the other big guns on offense went scoreless. That has to change quickly, or Toronto will be in a big hole.

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Boston won. It has won 8 straight meetings, with the last victory by Toronto coming on Nov. 5, 2022. The last time the Leafs won in Boston was March 29, 2022, behind goalie Erik Kallgren. Yeah, it’s been a hot minute.

Boston has won all 5 meetings this season, outscoring Toronto 20-8. The Over (5.5) cashed at most shops in Game 1 thanks to the empty-net goal by Trent Frederic to put a bow on the scoring. The total has gone high in 6 straight games for the Leafs, with Toronto allowing 5 or more goals in each of the previous 5 outings.

Boston’s Brad Marchand had 2 assists in Game 1, and he now has 7 goals and 23 points in 22 career playoff games against the Maple Leafs.

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

Maple Leafs at Bruins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:53 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Bruins -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-225) | Bruins -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Maple Leafs at Bruins projected goalies

Ilya Samsonov (23-7-8, 3.13 GAA, .890 SV%, 3 SO – regular season) vs. Jeremy Swayman (25-10-8, 2.53 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO – regular season)

Samsonov made just 19 saves on 23 shots in the 5-1 loss in Game 1, falling behind early, while never recovering. If he plays like that again in Game 2, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a shorter leash, with Joseph Woll likely to be thrust into action.

Swayman kicked aside 35 of the 36 shots he faced in Game 1, and he kept the top 6 forwards off the board. He went 3-0-0 with a 1.30 GAA and .959 SV% in 3 regular-season starts against the Maple Leafs, and he carried over the momentum into the series opener.

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

Maple Leafs at Bruins picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline

The BRUINS (-135) are a strong play as rather light favorites. It’s surprising this number isn’t much higher after the dominant Game 1 performance by Swayman and the offense.

The books likely are thinking Matthews and the Maple Leafs (+115) offense get on track, stealing Game 2 to level the series. However, we’ve seen signs of the Toronto offensive stars disappearing in the playoffs before. The play is on the B’s, until the Leafs show an ability to get over the hump in Boston.

Puck line/Against the spread

The BRUINS -1.5 (+180) are worth a roll of the dice for the chance to nearly double up.

Boston covered the puck line as a favorite in rather easy fashion in the series opener. It’s a strong play to get the job done again, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead back to T-Dot.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-120) is worth a look in Game 2. The total went high in Game 1, but it took a late empty-net goal by Frederic to get over the finish line. Don’t be surprised if it takes another empty-net goal to get the job done in this game, too.

Toronto has allowed 5 or more goals in 5 straight games, with the Over cashing in 6 in a row. Go high, but be careful with a half-unit play at most.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins meet in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Saturday. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Bruins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Bruins won 4-0

The Maple Leafs face their old nemesis in the opening round of the postseason. If past history, and the regular season, is any indication, it could be another early exit for Toronto.

The Bruins swept the regular-season series, outscoring the Maple Leafs 15-7 in the 4 meetings. The past 2 games were 4-1 victories by Boston, including the most recent meeting on March 7 at TD Garden. The Under cashed in 3 of the 4 meetings this season, and it is on a 4-1 run in the past 5 in the series.

Toronto enters the postseason going 0-3-1 in the final 4 games to close out the regular season, allowing 5 or more goals in each of the contests. The Over is on a 5-0 run for the Leafs.

Boston wasn’t much better, dropping the final 2 games at Washington and home to Ottawa, losing out on the Metropolitan Division title to the Florida Panthers in the process. The Under has hit in 8 of the past 9 games for the Bruins, while winning just once in the final 4 contests.

These teams have met 16 times in the Stanley Cup playoffs, with the most recent meeting in 2019. The Leafs and B’s have squared off in the playoffs 4 times in the past 11 years, too.

Boston’s Brad Marchand has 146 career playoff games under his belt, and he has faced the Leafs 21 times in the postseason. He has 7 goals and 14 assists, good for a point-per-game production.

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

Maple Leafs at Bruins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:18 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Bruins -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-250) | Bruins -1.5 (+190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Maple Leafs at Bruins projected goalies

Ilya Samsonov (23-7-8, 3.13 GAA, .890 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Linus Ullmark (22-10-7, 2.58 GAA, .915 SV%, 2 SO)

Samsonov had a topsy-turvy season. At one point, the team placed him on waivers, and he was banished to the Marlies of the AHL. He returned, and  made the most of his 2nd opportunity, although he did have a shaky finish to the regular season with 4 or more goals allowed in 3 of his final 5 outings.

He hasn’t faced the Bruins since Nov. 2 in Boston, a 3-2 loss in a shootout. Samsonov was superb in that game, kicking aside 38 of the 40 shots he faced. That was his only time facing the B’s this season.

Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman were in a rotation, and the tandem both figure to see action in the postseason, too. Ullmark is expected to the 1st crack at the Leafs. He allowed 3 or fewer goals in each of his final 10 regular-season starts, winning 3 of the final 4 outings.

Ullmark last saw the Maple Leafs Dec. 2 in Toronto, making 37 saves on 40 shots in a 4-3 OTW. That was his only action in the regular season against the Leafs.

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

Maple Leafs at Bruins picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

The BRUINS (-125) have had this hold on the Maple Leafs (+110), and Toronto fans likely wanted to see anybody else in the 1st round. Bettors, however, have to be pleased seeing what has been an historically one-sided matchup, especially in recent postseason memory.

Toronto sports all kind of offense, going several lines deep, but the defense is just so-so, as is the goaltending. That’s not a good sign for a deep run into the postseason. Boston should get off on the right foot in Game 1.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Maple Leafs +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return if you’d like a little bit of insurance, and you just can’t bring yourself to pick Toronto straight up. And you shouldn’t, as the Leafs have dropped 7 straight meetings dating back to their last win against the Bruins on Nov. 5, 2022. While 4 of the past 7 losses have been by a single goal, it’s too expensive to back Toronto, and too risky.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-125) is a strong play in this series opener. Samsonov has been very giving lately. While the Under is 4-1 in the past 5 meetings in this series, we could have a higher-scoring series opener between these 2 familiar foes if we see penalties.

Toronto ranked 7th in the NHL on the power play (23.9%), while the penalty kill was just 23rd (76.9%). Boston was good for 13th on the man advantage (22.2%), while the kill checked in 7th (82.5%).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Maple Leafs (46-24-10) take on the Florida Panthers (51-24-6) Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Leafs have 2 games left, and they have nothing to play for locked in to the 3rd spot in the Atlantic Division. They’ve lost 2 straight after a 6-5 loss to New Jersey and 5-4 OT loss to Detroit. C Auston Matthews has goals in 8 straight games. He has a career-high 69, and you had better believe he’s gunning for the 1st 70-goal season since Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny each had 76 in 1992-93.

The Panthers are 1 point out of the top spot in the Atlantic behind the Boston Bruins. The Panthers have won 3 straight after a 3-2 OT win against the Buffalo Sabres Saturday. If things remain the same, the Panthers would take on Toronto in the 1st round. If Florida moves up, they’d face the Tampa Bay Lightning. LW Matthew Tkachuk, in the midst of a bit of a down season, has points in 5 of 6 games.

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

Maple Leafs at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Panthers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-175) | Panthers -1.5 (+145)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Maple Leafs at Panthers projected goalies

Joseph Woll (12-10-1, 2.88 GAA, .907 SV%) vs. Anthony Stolarz (15-7-2, 2.03 GAA, .926 SV%, 2 SO)

Woll receives his 1st start since last Tuesday when he stopped 18 of 20 shots in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils. He beat the Panthers in a 2-1 shootout W Nov. 28, stopping 38 of 39.

The Panthers are going with their backup in the season finale, and he’s coming off a shutout over the Ottawa Senators last Tuesday. He stopped all 26 shots he faced, and he has stopped 65 of 70 shots fired his way in 3 appearances this month. He was between the pipes in a 2-1 shootout loss to Toronto Nov. 28, stopping 31 of 32.

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

Maple Leafs at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 2

Moneyline

The Panthers are so invested in this game that . . . they’re running their backup goalie out there. You know who is invested? AM34 and his pursuit of 70 goals.

The Leafs are 24-9-6 on the road this season, and I see them as the hungrier team. Take MAPLE LEAFS +135.

Puck line/Against the spread

There were no anytime goal props available at press time, but I’m looking for Matthews to continue lighting the lamp. A sharp book has his anytime goal at -137, and FanDuel Sportsbook has him at -110. Head over there and snag that before the market corrects.

Over/Under

The Over is just 1-9 in the last 10 meetings. We have had 6 goals in a meeting just once in the last 7 matchups.

LEAN UNDER 6 (+100).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The New Jersey Devils (37-37-5) take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (46-23-9) Thursday evening in the 2nd game of a home-and-home series. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Devils vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

New Jersey was defeated 5-2 in Newark by Toronto Tuesday night and was officially eliminated from playoff contention. This is the 3rd meeting between these teams this season, with the prior games going over the total.

New Jersey cashed as a (+126) underdog with a 6-3 win in Toronto March 26. C Nico Hischier finished with 3 points (1 goal and 2 assists). Maple Leafs RW Mitch Marner, who is tied for 2nd on the team with RW William Nylander in points per game (1.2), and D Morgan Rielly, Toronto’s points leader on defense, did not play in that game due to injuries.

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

Devils at Maple Leafs odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Devils +164 (bet $100 to win $164) | Maple Leafs -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-142) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+118)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -106 | U: -114)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Devils at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Jake Allen (11-17-4, 3.37 GAA, .899 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (23-6-7, 3.00 GAA, .895 SV%, 3 SO)

Allen appears set to start against Toronto once again as Kaapo Kahkonen deals with a lower body injury. The 33-year-old has been victorious just once in his last 5 starts, but is 9-8-1 with a .915 SV% and a 2.81 GAA in 21 career games vs. Toronto.

Samsonov had won his last 5 starts before getting the night off in the Tuesday night matchup vs. New Jersey. The 27-year-old has been outstanding since Jan. 21, and is 6-1-1 with a .914 SV% and 2.63 GAA in 8 career games played vs. the Devils.

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

Devils at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Devils 3

Moneyline

PASS.

The Leafs have clinched the playoffs, while the Devils have nothing to play for, and their superstar C Jack Hughes has been shut down for the season. I’m certainly not going to fault anyone who includes Toronto in a ML parlay. I just wonder if the Leafs play not to get hurt, as they have 4 more regular-season games before the postseason starts.

Puck line/Against the spread

BET DEVILS +1.5 (-146).

New Jersey has guys that are playing for jobs next season, so I do not expect that they will lay down for this Toronto team. LW Jesper Bratt just saw his 8-game point streak snapped in Tuesday’s loss to Toronto. Expect his stat sheet Thursday night to be more similar to the March 26 matchup where he recorded 3 assists.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6.5 (-106).

C Auston Matthews has been a goal-scoring machine this season as he leads the league with 66, the most in a single season by any active player. The 26-year-old is in the midst of a 6-game goal scoring streak as he hopes to become the 1st 70-goal scorer since Brett Hull back in 1991-92.

This Devils defense is really young, and it sorely misses D Dougie Hamilton. New Jersey enters Thursday having surrendered the 4th-most rebound shots against in the NHL (223), so expect Matthews and Nylander, who has a 2nd straight 40-goal season, to feast on 2nd-chance opportunities.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

Follow @TheBigCheeShow on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Pittsburgh Penguins (36-30-11) visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (44-23-9) Monday at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Penguins vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Penguins were sellers at the NHL trade deadline, but they have picked up points in 8 consecutive games, posting a 6-0-2 record since March 24, including 4 straight victories. Pittsburgh has scored 3 or more goals in each of those 8 games, averaging 4.3 goals per game (GPG). The Over has cashed in 4 of the past 5 outings.

The Maple Leafs doubled up the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 on the road Saturday. Toronto has won 4 of the past 5 outings, scoring a total of 19 goals in the span, averaging 3.8 GPG in the 5-game span. The Under is on a 3-1 run in the past 4 contests.

Toronto picked up a 7-0 win at home against Pittsburgh in the most recent meeting Dec. 16, hitting the Over. It was a rare Over result in this series, as the Under is still 5-2 in the past 7 meetings.

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

Penguins 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 3:25 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Penguins +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Maple Leafs -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-185) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Penguins at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Alex Nedeljkovic (16-6-6, 2.82 GAA, .907 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Ilya Samsonov (22-6-7, 3.03 GAA, .893 SV%, 3 SO)

Nedeljkovic has made the past 8 starts for the Penguins, winning 6 times, with a pair of OTLs. He has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 6 of the past 7 meetings. The Ohio native has managed an impressive 4-0-0 record, 2.50 GAA and .917 SV% in 4 starts in April.

Nedeljkovic didn’t start in the Dec. 16 meeting in Toronto, but he appeared in relief, allowing 3 goals on 21 shots in the 7-0 loss to the Leafs.

Samsonov allowed 2 goals on 26 shots in a 4-2 win in Montreal Saturday. He has won 4 straight starts, although he has allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of his previous 6 outings.

Samsonov hasn’t faced the Penguins in 2 seasons with the Leafs. He went 2-1-0 with a 2.74 GAA and .927 SV% in 3 starts against Pittsburgh as a member of the Washington Capitals in the 2021-22 season.

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

Penguins at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Penguins 2

Moneyline

The MAPLE LEAFS (-155) are a solid play as moderate favorites against the red-hot Penguins (+130).

Toronto clinched a playoff spot over the weekend, but this is a team with a lot to play for still. It is 5 points back of the Florida Panthers for 2nd place in the Atlantic Division and has 2 games in hand. It is also just 4 points clear of the Tampa Bay Lightning, so don’t expect the Leafs to take their foot off the gas despite clinching.

Puck line/Against the spread

The MAPLE LEAFS -1.5 (+150) are worth a look on the puck line, betting at least a half-unit.

In the past 3 games as a favorite, Toronto has cashed on the puck line, too, so if you like the Leafs, take them on the puck line. The Leafs are 4-1-0 in the past 5 games, and each of the 4 victories have been by 2 or more goals, with an average margin of victory of 2.8 GPG.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-115) is worth a look, but go lightly.

The total has gone low in 3 of the past 4 games for the Maple Leafs. Be careful, though, as the Penguins have cashed the Over in 4 of the past 5 games. Still, they have allowed just 17 goals on the past 7 outings.

And again, in this series, the Under has cashed in 5 of the past 7 outings, and the losing team has managed a total of just 11 goals in the past 10 meetings, or just 1.1 GPG.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The New Jersey Devils (35-33-4) make the 2nd stop of a 3-game road trip on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs (40-21-9) at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+/hulu). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Devils vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First of 3 meetings between now and April 11; Maple Leafs won 2-1 in 2022-23

The Devils have picked up 3 wins in the past 4 games, including a 4-0 shutout of the New York Islanders last time out as the Under (6.5) cashed. The Devils are 3-0 as an underdog in the past 3 outings, while going 4-1 on the puck line in the past 5 as a ‘dog.

The Maple Leafs suffered a 2-1 loss in Carolina on Sunday, but Toronto is still a solid 7-4-1 across the past 12 outings, while going 4-1-1 in the past 6 skates on home ice.

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

Devils 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 11:43 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Devils +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Maple Leafs -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-190) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Devils at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Jake Allen (9-14-3, 3.41 GAA, .898 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Ilya Samsonov (19-6-7, 3.12 GAA, .889 SV%, 2 SO)

Allen was tuned up by the Ottawa Senators last time out, allowing 5 goals on 25 shots in a loss Saturday. However, he had won 3 of his first 4 starts, allowing a total of 7 goals on 130 shots since being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens at the NHL trade deadline.

Allen allowed 5 goals on 42 shots in a 6-5 shootout loss in Toronto on Oct. 11 in his only appearance against the Leafs this season as a member of the Canadiens.

Samsonov allowed 3 goals on 34 shots in a 6-3 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. He is 5-1-1 with a 2.67 GAA and .915 SV% in 7 starts in  March.

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

Devils at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Devils 3

Moneyline

The MAPLE LEAFS (-145) are worth a look as moderate favorites on home ice.

The Leafs have won 10 of the past 11 meetings since Nov. 9, 2018, outscoring the Devils (+120) by a 53-27 margin.

While New Jersey has won 3 of the past 4 games, the dominance in this series by Toronto cannot be overlooked, nor can Allen’s shabby performance against the Leafs when he was with the Habs earlier in the season.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Devils +1.5 (-190) are just a little too expensive if you need a little insurance, and cannot take New Jersey straight up.

And while the Maple Leafs -1.5 (+155) have dominated this series, the past 4 meetings have each been decided by a single goal, so you can’t roll the dice on the puck line with the favorite.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-120) is worth a look, but go with a half-unit at most.

The Over cashed in the most recent meeting, but the Under is 3-1 in the past 4 in the series, so be careful.

For Devils, the Under has outpaced the Over 7-3 in the past 10 games, with the Under going 5-1 in the past 6 games on the road.

As far as the Leafs are concerned, though, the total has gone high in 5 of the past 6 games, with the offense averaging 4.5 goals per game (GPG) in the past 6 outings, while allowing 3.4 GPG in the past 5 contests. The lean is to the Over.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Edmonton Oilers (42-21-4) kick off a 3-game road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs (39-20-9) Saturday at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Oilers vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Oilers lead 1-0; Edmonton won 4-2 at home Jan. 16

The Oilers blasted the Buffalo Sabres 8-3 Thursday night as heavy favorites (-230) as the Over (6.5) cashed. The Oilers have picked up at least 1 point in 6 straight outings, going 4-0-2. The Under has cashed in 6 of the past 8 games, and 9 of the previous 12 contests.

The Maple Leafs pounded the Washington Capitals 7-3 in D.C. Wednesday, cashing as moderate road favorites (-125) as the Over (6) hit. Toronto is a healthy 13-4-1 across the previous 18 outings while cashing the Over in each of the past 4 games.

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

Oilers 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 2:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Oilers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Maple Leafs +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Oilers -1.5 (+180) | Maple Leafs +1.5 (-225)
  • Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Oilers at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Stuart Skinner (31-13-4, 2.58 GAA, .908 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Ilya Samsonov (18-6-7, 3.12 GAA, .888 SV%, 2 SO)

Skinner allowed 3 goals on 29 shots in a win against the Sabres, and he obviously received plenty of offensive support in the 8-3 win. He is enjoying a 4-0-2 record, 1.94 GAA and .931 SV% in 6 starts and 1 relief appearance in March.

Samsonov was knocked around for 4 goals on 40 shots in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss in Philadelphia, his 1st loss in regulation in March. He is 4-1-1 with a 2.58 GAA and .915 SV% in 6 starts in the month.

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

Oilers at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

The OILERS (-135) are a solid play as moderate road favorites against the Maple Leafs (+115).

Edmonton has won 2 of the past 3 meetings, but it has won just once in the past 4 trips to Toronto. Still, the Oilers have been on fire offensively, going for an average of 4.8 goals per game in the past 5 outings. This team is humming along, picking up at least 1 point in 11 of the past 12 outings, going 9-1-2. Keep playing the Oilers until they cool down.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Maple Leafs +1.5 (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, if you need a little insurance and can’t play Toronto straight up. That’s too much risk for not enough reward, even if you were to include the Leafs in a multi-team parlay.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-115) is worth playing lightly.

The Over has cashed in 2 of the past 4 outings for the Oilers, with Edmonton going for 7 or more goals in 2 of the contests. While the Under has dominated lately, going 9-3 in the past 12 games for Edmonton, the Over is 2-1-1 in the past 4 trips to Toronto.

The Maple Leafs have hit the Over in each of the past 4 outings while going 5-3 in the past 8 skates on home ice.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Toronto Maple Leafs (38-20-9) travel to meet the Washington Capitals (33-26-8) at Wells Fargo Center Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Maple Leafs lead 1-0; Toronto won 4-1 on Oct. 24 at Capital One Arena

The Maple Leafs suffered a 4-3 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, snapping an 8-game winning streak in the series. Toronto has suffered back-to-back losses for the 1st time since it dropped 3 in a row from Jan. 13-16.

The Capitals have picked up 3 consecutive victories, including a 5-2 win Monday against the Calgary Flames. Washington outscored the competition 9-4 in the 3-game win streak, and each victory came as an underdog. The Under is 4-2-1 in the past 7 games.

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

Maple Leafs at Capitals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:46 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Capitals +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs -1.5 (+170) | Capitals +1.5 (-210)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Maple Leafs at Capitals projected goalies

Joseph Woll (9-7-1, 2.89 GAA, .911 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (13-13-3, 3.29 GAA, .890 SV%, 1 SO)

Woll is likely to get the starting nod after Ilya Samsonov allowed 4 goals on 30 shots in a loss in Philadelphia. The Toronto backup has allowed 4 goals in each of his 2 March starts, which are losses at home and on the road against the Boston Bruins.

Kuemper was tuned up for 7 goals on 37 shots in a 7-2 road loss against the Edmonton Oilers last time out on Wednesday. He has allowed 3 or more goals in each of his past 6 starts. He suffered a loss on Oct. 24 in D.C. against the Leafs, allowing 4 goals on just 17 shots.

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

Maple Leafs at Capitals picks and predictions

Prediction

Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline

The CAPITALS (+120) are worth playing as short ‘dogs at home, as the Maple Leafs (-145) have a tough turnaround after losing in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.

The Caps have won 3 in a row, and Washington has cashed in 5 of the past 7 outings, outscoring the competition 21-15 dating back to March 7.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Capitals +1.5 (-210) will cost you more than 2 times your return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward if you just can’t bring yourself to bet Washington straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6 (-120) is worth play lightly.

The Capitals have cashed the Over in 5 of the past 6 home games, while the total has gone high in 2 of the previous 4 outings.

For the Leafs, the Over has connected in 3 consecutive outings, with the Leafs going for 4.3 goals per game in the span, while coughing up 3.7 GPG. That’s a good recipe for plenty of Over results.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

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

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

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