Lightning vs Maple Leafs NHL Playoffs Game 1 Prediction, Picks and Betting Odds

All eyes will be on the Lightning vs Maple Leafs during Game 1 of their NHL Playoffs series. As maybe the most anticipated opening-round matchup in NHL history, tonight’s game, and this series as a whole, is sure to captivate hockey fans and sports bettors everywhere.

The Lightning look to start their quest for another Stanley Cup with a road victory, while Toronto hopes to take a positive step toward a first-round series victory, a feat they have not been able to accomplish in five straight seasons.

Let’s take a look at the NHL Playoffs betting odds, trends and picks for the game and give our Lightning vs Maple Leafs prediction.

Lightning vs Maple Leafs NHL Betting Preview and Stream

NHL Playoffs Game 1
Tampa Bay Lightning (51-23-8, 24-15-2 Away) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (54-21-7, 31-8-2 Home)
Date: May 2, 2022
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Venue: Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON, CAN
Coverage: ESPN+

Goaltending: TB: Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5/2.49/.916 – Confirmed) | TOR: Jack Campbell (31-9-6/2.64/.914 – Confirmed)

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There is no doubt that plenty of goals will be scored in this Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Playoffs series. Despite featuring arguably the best goalie in the NHL, expect these game totals to be very high. The last time these two teams met resulted in an 8-1 blowout in favor of the Lightning. Toronto now has a chance to press the reset button on home ice, and cannot afford to let a home game slip away.

As the series rolls on, these teams will probably play fast and loose with an emphasis on the offensive side of the puck. However, we expect to see the opposite tonight. Maximum effort and a solid defensive game plan on both sides will lead to a low-scoring affair.

An in-depth Lightning vs Maple Leafs NHL playoffs series preview is available HERE.

Lightning vs Maple Leafs NHL Betting Odds & Spread

NHL Betting odds for Lightning vs Maple Leafs are taken from BetUS Sportsbook.

Moneyline: TB: (EVEN) | TOR: (-120)
Puck Line: TB: +1.5 (-225) | TOR: -1.5 (+185)
Total: 6.5 — Over: (EVEN) | Under: (-120)
Team Totals: TB o3.5 (+120) / u3.5 (-160) | TOR o3.5 (-105) / u3.5 (-135)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network:  TB: (56%) | TOR: (44%)
Odds to Win Stanley Cup: TB: (+1100) | TOR: (+1000)

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Lightning vs Maple Leafs Prediction

The game total is set high for a certain reason. Oddsmakers expect this Lightning-Maple Leafs series to start off with a bang. While many fans are anxious to see a game featuring goals early and often, we think they are going to have to wait. Either team could win this game tonight, and it would shock no one. Instead of risking your money on picking a winner, take advantage of this high game total by betting the under.

Our NHL Playoffs Lightning vs Maple Leafs prediction tonight will be Game Total Under at BetUS. 

For what it’s worth, numberFire gives the Maple Leafs a 53.8% chance to win.

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