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Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Prediction and Odds for Game 2 (Tampa Bay Can't Repeat Game 1 Performance)

By Iain MacMillan

The Lightning and Maple Leafs will play in Game 2 of their NHL Playoff series on Wednesday night.
The Lightning and Maple Leafs will play in Game 2 of their NHL Playoff series on Wednesday night. / Claus Andersen/GettyImages
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The defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champions are staring down a 1-0 deficit heading into Game 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Not only did they lose the opening game, but they got handled with ease. They were outshot 32-24, and went 0/5 on their powerplay, which was their key to victory in their previous two Stanley Cup runs.

Here are the odds via WynnBET for tonight's pivotal Game 2.

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Lightning +110
  • Maple Leafs -130

Puck line:

  • Lightning +1.5 (-230)
  • Maple Leafs -1.5 (+190)

Total:

  • 6.5 (Over +105/Under -125)

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Betting Trends

  • The OVER is 8-2 in the Lightning's last 10 games.
  • Maple Leafs are 5-2 in their last seven games vs. Lightning.
  • Lightning are 15-2 in their last 17 games played on Wednesday.
  • Maple Leafs are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
  • Maple Leafs are 6-0 in their last six home games.

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Prediction

As excited as I am as a Maple Leafs after Game 1, I have to not like recency bias take over when placing a bet. Lightning head coach was correct after the game when he said "I'm not so sure the Maple Leafs had to play particularly well to beat us tonight."

That was as bad of a game as you'll see the Lightning play, and as good of a game as you'll see the Maple Leafs play. I don't expect the rest of the series to look similar, as much as I'd love that as a fan.

What might have been the most impressive feat of the game, was that the Leafs blocked 26 shots by the Lightning. Any stat you look at, you'll see that the Maple Leafs dominated the Lightning. Ironically, the only area Tampa Bay succeed in was hits, out-hitting Toronto by a final tally of 56-36.

Betting on this game comes down to one question: Will we see repeat performances from Game 1, or will we see the Lightning play a much better game?

This might be an emo-hedge on my part, but I think the Lightning will look more like their regular season-selves tonight.

Pick: Lightning +110

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.

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