Boston was a big NHL Playoff lines favorite before the playoffs began. Bombing out Toronto in the first two playoff games enhanced those expectations. Rendering the Maple Leafs helpless a sweep was expected. But Toronto roared back to life on home ice in game three. Fighting for their playoff lives they rallied to a 4-2 win. Now TO is back in the series. With momentum on their side Toronto can even the series on home ice Thursday night. Tests such as this expose pretenders from contenders. Can the Bruins regain the initiative? Are the Leafs here to stay?
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Game 4
Date and Time: Thursday, April 19, 2018, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruins | +1½ (+240) | 6 (-105) |  |
| Maple Leafs | +1½ (-280) | 6 (-115) | |
| |||
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs TV Coverage: NBCSN
Series so far
Home ice has been a huge edge with the NHL playoff lines. Boston dominated with 5-1 and 7-3 home wins against the Leafs. Toronto responded with a spirited all out effort to win game three. Game five will be in Boston. Which makes game four a virtual must win for the Maple Leafs. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy embarrassed the revered Mike Babcock in the first two games. But Babcock was masterful in his Maple Leaf coordination for game three. Motivation and matchups were owned by the legendary leader. But a game four loss would surrender it all back to the B’s.
Bruins
Few teams can match the balance of the Bruins. Ranking sixth in the NHL for goal scoring they were fourth for goals against. Special teams are quite special for Boston. On the power play they ranked fourth. Penalty killing ranked even better at third. Veteran Goaltender Tuukka Rask has plenty of playoff experience. Rask has an outstanding career playoff save percentage of .928.
Maple Leafs
Toronto got help from two important sources in game three. Auston Matthews got his first goal of the post season. As the top 2016 Draft Pick much is expected of this phenom. Maple Leafs backers hope it is a portent of things to come. Veteran San Jose import Patrick Marleau added two goals in Monday’s win. Marleau was acquired for just this purpose. With 180 career playoff games he has the experience to lead a young team in this situation. Frederik Andersen showed vast improvement between the pipes. He stopped 40 of 42 Boston shots in game three.
Team vs. Team
Toronto has beaten the sportsbook in eight of their last 11 with Boston. None of the last four meetings between these teams stayed under the number. Air Canada Centre has seen the Leafs win five in a row over the Bruins. Just one of the last four games at TO between these teams stayed under the number. Boston actually outshot Toronto 42-30 in game three. But the Leafs played with significantly more energy. Team speed was expected to be a Maple Leafs asset against the Bruins. Fully displayed in game three it is essential for Toronto’s success.
Matchup to Watch
Boston’s balance is their strength with the NHL Playoff lines. Their inability to hold the fast Maple Leafs in check Monday was apparent. With new found confidence Toronto is resurgent. Speed on home ice is the matchup advantage for TO.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs NHL Playoff Lines Picks
Look for the Leafs to even the series.
NHL Betting Online Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL Betting Online Score Prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Bruins 2
Check out highlights of Toronto’s game three win!