The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of their playoff NHL matchup on Thursday night. Toronto leads the series 3-1, so this will certainly be a pivotal game for both teams.
The Lightning earned a win in Game 1, but this series has been all Maple Leafs since. Toronto cruised to a Game 2 victory, and narrowly emerged victorious in Games 3 and 4.
Game 5 projects to be a competitive affair, given that the past two games were both decided by just one point.
This game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM EST on Thursday, April 27 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Let’s take a look at the odds and analysis for the Lightning-Maple Leafs contest.
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Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Facts & Trends
- The Tampa Bay Lightning are 36-46 against the spread this season.
- The Lightning are 15-26 against the spread when playing on the road.
- Tampa Bay has a 42-36-4 over/under record so far this season.
- They are 18-22 overall when playing on the road.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are 38-44 against the spread this year.
- The Maple Leafs are 15-26 against the spread when playing at home.
- Toronto has a 39-43 over/under record so far during the 2022-23 campaign.
- They are 27-8 overall when playing at home.
The Maple Leafs and Lightning have both underwhelmed from an against-the-spread perspective. Neither side has been able to consistently cover the odds.
Oddly enough, the Lightning’s ATS record on the road is the exact same as the Maple Leafs’ ATS record at home.
Tampa Bay has also underperformed overall on the road, while Toronto has been one of the better NHL teams in terms of winning games at home.
Let’s take a closer look at this clash.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Matchup Information
This game is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.
The Maple Leafs are favored at home. Covering the spread has been a challenge though, and the games in this series have been close as of late. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Toronto struggle to cover the spread.
However, betting against the Maple Leafs would be a risky decision. Here’s a look at the complete NHL odds for Thursday.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Previews
Betting on Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning feature no shortage of talent. Stringing together wins has been a problem in recent action though.
The Lightning kicked off the series on a fantastic note. Their offense impressed with seven goals, while the defense limited Toronto to just three. Tampa Bay appeared poised for a series upset.
They faltered in a major way in Game 2 though, losing 7-2. The defense simply fell apart which led to offensive woes.
The Lightning performed better in both Games 3 and 4, losing by just a single goal in each affair. Again, as mentioned earlier, stringing together wins has been a concern.
The Lightning are likely still confident heading into this contest. It is clear that they can compete with Toronto. If the Lightning can steal a road win on Thursday, they will get a chance to play the Maple Leafs at home in Game 6.
Betting on Toronto Maple Leafs
In contrasting fashion, the Maple Leafs started the series on a sour note. Their defense seemingly fell apart, and they had no answer for the Lightning.
The Maple Leafs bounced back without question, displaying an impressive all-around showcase in Game 2.
After splitting the first two games at home, the Maple Leafs knew how important it would be to win at least one game on the road in Games 3 and 4. Instead, they won both games on the NHL Schedule on the road, ultimately seizing a 3-1 lead heading in Thursday.
The Maple Leafs will have an excellent chance to clinch a series win. They can’t take this game for granted, because leaving the door open for this intriguing Lightning team isn’t something they want to do.
Injury Report
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Erik Cernak is considered doubtful for Thursday’s game.
- Michael Eyssimont is listed as day-to-day and his status is uncertain for the contest.
Toronto Maple Leafs
- Matt Murray is out for the Maple Leafs.
- Erik Gustafsson is considered day-to-day heading into Thursday.
- Mac Hollowell remains out for Toronto as well.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
- Betonline: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5
- Bovada: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5
- MyBookie: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5
- BetUS: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5
- BetNow: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5
The Toronto Maple Leafs are favored at home, but should you ultimately place your money on them?
Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs Picks & Predictions
Which team should you roll with for Game 5? Can the Maple Leafs cover the spread in front of their home fans, or will the Lightning live to see another day with a key victory?
This will likely be an exciting affair that may not be decided until the final minutes of regulation. Both teams have a strong chance of winning, but rolling with the Lightning as the spread pick is the best bet for Thursday.
The Pick
Go ahead and roll with the Tampa Bay Lightning +1.5 with your spread betting selection for this NHL playoff matchup on Thursday night.
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