Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs 4/18/23 – The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs meet in the First Round with both teams coming into this series with stellar regular seasons and rich playoff histories. The Lightning are hoping to reach the Stanley Cup Final for a third straight season after posting 46-30-6 this year. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs finished up 50-21-11 but haven’t won a playoff series or the Stanley Cup since 2004 and 1967 respectively. Both streaks represent long droughts within NHL history. However, Toronto Maple Leafs are expecting to win here as per the best NHL betting picks today.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET
Location: Scotiabank Arena Toronto, ON
TV: ESPN
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs 4/18/23 Betting Odds
Lightning
Moneyline: +137
Puckline: +1.5 (-205)
Total: 6 over (+105)
Maple Leafs
Moneyline: -152
Puckline: -1.5 (+175)
Total: 6 under (-116)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs Analysis
The Tampa Bay Lightning left their last outing with pride after earning a 5-0 win against the Red Wings. Their strong offensive play led them to victory. Tampa Bay scored on 5 of their 32 shots against goal, had two power play opportunities and scored once during that time frame, recording 6 penalty minutes as a result. Tampa Bay Lightning opponents have taken advantage of 261 power play opportunities and scored 53 goals with those chances. 2,582 shots have been fired at them so far and they have maintained a save percentage of 0.902. Tampa Bay has taken 2,621 shots this season and have posted an overall shooting percentage of 10.7% at even strength, allowing opponents 199 goals while scoring 209 on offense. Tampa Bay Lightning comes into this game having taken advantage of 280 power play chances and have scored 71 goals out of those attempts, giving them an efficiency rate of 25.36%. As for their point totals, they have amassed 98 and their points percentage sits at 0.598; as far as goal scoring prowess goes, the Tampa Bay Lightning have amassed 280 goals while conceding 252.
Toronto Maple Leafs last faced off against the Rangers and won by 3-2. They attempted a power play but didn’t find success; meanwhile they managed 3 goals on 21 shots on goal they attempted. Since their season began in September 2013, the Toronto Maple Leafs have amassed 278 goals, 111 points and achieved a points percentage of 0.677. Additionally, they have allowed 220 goals against them during even strength play and 45 shorthanded goals were scored during that same timeframe. The Maple Leafs currently boast an even strength record of 234 goals scored and 64 scored with more players on the ice. Their power play chances have totaled 246 with an efficiency rate of 26.02%. Toronto has taken 2,628 shots for an effective shot percentage of 10.58% while allowing their opponents 2,420 shots. They currently boast an 81.85% penalty kill rate on 248 power play opportunities against them and their save percentage stands at 90.9
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs Against the Spread
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games. Tampa Bay are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games. Tampa Bay are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference. Tampa Bay are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Division division.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto’s last 10 games. Toronto are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto’s last 9 games against Tampa Bay. Toronto are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games at home. Toronto are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs Free Pick
This will be an epic battle between two equally-matched teams. The Lightning will attempt to take control of Game One while the Maple Leafs seek to make an impression in their home opener and rule this game. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be winning this game according to the most recent NHL betting stats.
Free Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175)
