The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Boston for a crucial Game 2 of their first-round playoff matchup against the Bruins. After a lopsided 5-1 loss in Game 1, the Leafs face elimination pressure. The Bruins boast a better record (48-22-12) compared to Toronto (43-27-12), and momentum is firmly on their side.
Make a bet with FandDuel!
Breakdown: Back to the Drawing Board for Toronto
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Date: April 22
Time: 8:00 PM EST – Round 1 Game 1
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Where to watch: TBS & truTV
Weather shouldn’t be a factor, with clear skies and a comfortable temperature forecast.
Historically, the Bruins have dominated this matchup at home in the playoffs, winning six of the last eight meetings. This season, the Bruins won the season series 3-2. Coaching will be a key factor, with the experienced Bruce Cassidy behind the Bruins bench compared to Sheldon Keefe’s first taste of playoff pressure. Both teams are strong offensively, but the Bruins boast a more complete defensive unit.
Our Picks: Boston Poised to Sweep
The Maple Leafs looked overwhelmed in Game 1, and it’s hard to see them bouncing back on the road.
Toronto Maple Leafs: The Toronto Maple Leafs come into this game with a disappointing 21-19-11 record Against The Spread (ATS). This means they’ve failed to cover the point spread in almost half of their games this season. While their overall offensive output is decent, their inconsistency translates to struggles covering the spread. Toronto has also particularly struggled on the road this season, further diminishing their confidence as an ATS pick.
Boston Bruins ATS: The Boston Bruins have been a strong team Against The Spread (ATS) this season, boasting a record of 28-18-5. This translates to a winning percentage of over 60% when it comes to covering the spread. Their strong record is backed by a deep offense led by David Pastrnak’s current hot streak, and a reliable defense. Additionally, their home-ice advantage at TD Garden is a well-known factor that tends to favor the Bruins. Considering their overall form and home-ice advantage, the Bruins are a very attractive pick at ATS.
Pick 1: Bruins -1.5 ATS (+110)
The Bruins are the more complete team, and home-ice advantage will be a major factor. Look for Boston to win by two goals or more.
Pick 2: Under 5.5 Goals (-110)
Both teams have strong defenses, and the pressure of the situation could lead to a lower-scoring affair.
