The Bruins travel to Toronto, jockeying for a possible No.3 seed in the Atlantic Division while the Maple Leafs are locked into the second spot and waiting for the postseason to commence. Let’s analyze this late regular-season matchup and continue to cash our NHL picks.
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Friday, April 29, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at Scotiabank Arena
The Maple Leafs have been ensconced in second place in the Atlantic Division for a long time and will remain there, regardless of what happens, after their final regular-season game against the Bruins tonight. There is nothing at stake for Toronto and their only goal is to escape injury-free as they prepare for the postseason.
The Leafs have maintained their mojo entering the homestretch of the season, going 13-2-3 over their last 18 appearances dating back to March 27th. They have won six of their last eight with both losses coming to divisional playoff entries, Tampa Bay and Florida.
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After knocking off the Capitals, 4-3 in a shootout, Toronto returned home to welcome the lowly Red Wings to Scotiabank Arena and notched a 3-0 win in front of the fan friendlies. Auston Matthews continued his torrid scoring streak, tallying his 59th and 60th goals of the season while John Tavares deposited his 27th of the year in the victory over Detroit. Jack Campbell fashioned his fifth shutout of the season, turning aside all 20 shots he faced.
Tavares commented on Matthews’ innate ability to put the puck in the net, becoming just the third player since the mid-90s to score 60 goals, joining Steven Stamkos in 2011-12 and Alex Ovechkin in 2007-08.
“Just the way he goes about it, the way he does it, the consistency, some of the things he’s done ... you continue to shake your head,” said Tavares.
Stayin’ Alive
The Bruins needed some help on Thursday night to remain in the hunt for the No.3 spot in the Atlantic and they got it. The Lightning are now one slim point above the Bruins in the race for the third spot as they lost to the Blue Jackets last night while Boston skated to a 5-0 victory over the Sabres.
After a scoreless opening period, Patrice Bergeron caught fire and scored the first, second, and last goal of the game while David Pastrnak and Taylor Hall both connected on power-play situations. The final goal of the evening was Bergeron’s 400th of his career becoming only the fourth Bruin to do so. B’s netminder, Linus Ullmark was outstanding in net for Boston as he saved all 37 shots he faced.
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There is no question which team is more motivated to get the win on Friday night. Boston has to win and the Lightning have to lose or tie for the Bruins to leapfrog them in the standings. Meanwhile, Toronto merely needs to emerge unscathed and healthy for the postseason, as they could be facing their first-round opponents tonight. If Boston loses, the Leafs will meet the Lightning in the opening round.
These teams have met twice this season with Toronto securing 5-2 and 6-4 victories in which Ullmark was in net for the first while Jeremy Swayman took the loss in the second meeting. Goaltending is a big factor in this one because for most of the year, Ullmark and Swayman were platooned and both were playing extremely well.
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However, the long grind of the NHL season has taken its toll on the rookie Swayman as he has clearly lost his groove while Ullmark has left little doubt as to whom Bruce Cassidy will be tapping as the starting goalie when the postseason begins. Ullmark, fresh off a stellar performance, will sit while Swayman has one last opportunity to state his case.
Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs are too offensively weaponized for the Bruins to contain and it will likely be a long night for the rookie. As in the other two games, there should be plenty of scoring and despite conventional wisdom, Boston could likely get an easier opponent in the first round if they lose.
Should they win tonight they get another road date in Toronto versus hitting the highway and facing Carolina if they lose. It’s a pick your poison choice for Boston but the latter seems a bit more favorable for Boston.
The NHL odds at all of the best online sportsbooks reveal the Maple Leafs as slight favorites and we believe it’s lumber worth laying.
NHL Picks:
Maple Leafs ML (+118) with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Over 6 ½ (+100) with Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
