Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 1 Odds and Prediction (Expect Offense in Atlantic Division Series)

The back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, will start their journey to a three-peat tonight when they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 of their opening round series.

The Maple Leafs will be feeling the pressure from their fans, after six-straight first-round playoff exits. They haven't won a playoff series since 2004, and not breaking that streak this season would be inexcusable, given their talent.

Here are the odds via WynnBET for tonight's NHL Eastern Conference playoff action.

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Lightning +110
• Maple Leafs -130

Puck line:

• Lightning +1.5 (-220)
• Maple Leafs -1.5 (+180)

Total:

6.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Betting Trends

• The OVER is 8-1 in the Lightning's last nine games.
• Lightning are 5-1 in their last six games.
• Maple Leafs are 4-2 in last six games vs. Lightning.
• Maple Leafs are 14-4 in their last 18 games.
• The OVER is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these teams.

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Prediction and Pick

The biggest, and possibly only concern that the Maple Leafs have in this game and in this series is their goaltending. Jack Campbell has struggled since the start of the calendar year, and Toronto ranks 22nd in save percentage over its last 25 games. This could prove costly when taking on one of the best goaltenders in the NHL in Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Outside of goaltending, the Maple Leafs have an advantage in just about every statistic. Their biggest advantage, surprisingly, comes on defense. The Maple Leafs have allowed the fourth fewest high danger scoring chances over its past 25 games, while the Lightning rank 24th in that span. I don't care who you have in net, allowing that many shots down low against an offense like the Maple Leafs is going to spell trouble.

Bad goaltending on one end, bad defense on the other, and two explosive offenses. I'll take the over 6.5 in tonight's game and see what happens.

Pick: OVER 6.5 (-105)

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