Senators vs. Maple Leafs NHL Playoffs Predictions (Tuesday)
Tickets to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs could be punched tonight, as the Maple Leafs (3-1) and the Hurricanes (3-1) each look to close out their respective series. Meanwhile, the Wild vs. Golden Knights (2-2) and Oilers vs. Kings (2-2) series churn ahead, and will each need at least two more games for the winners to advance.
Below, I'll dive into all four games from a sports betting perspective and let you know where I'm laying my money on the ice. Here are my top NHL bets tonight for Senators vs. Maple Leafs.
Tuesday's NHL Best Bets: Senators vs. Maple Leafs
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook)
Senators vs. Maple Leafs
The Leafs (3-1) are on the cusp of advancing to the second round, and they'll look to close out the series tonight at home against an in-province rival in the Senators (1-3). The fifth game of the Battle of Ontario is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
I'll go ahead and play the Under of 5.5 goals at a pretty reasonable price of -102. Half of the games in this series have finished below this total, and things should really tighten up in Game 5, being that it's an elimination contest. In terms of expected goals per 60 minutes, these are two of the worst three teams in the postseason. Toronto is 14th (2.29) and Ottawa is 15th (2.06), while St. Louis (2.0) interestingly brings up the rear.
When you add a filter to only 5-on-5 play, the Leafs and Sens are tied for 15th at 1.63 expected goals per 60 minutes. This speaks to the solid defensive play from both teams at even strength. As these series get into the later games, we should expect things to tighten up, as well as see refs swallow the whistles a bit more. This should lead to more 5-on-5 play, which is where these teams have been extremely strong in the series. I'll take the Under tonight in Toronto.
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-102)