Toronto Maple Leafs - Boston Bruins predictions and free betting tips [28/04/2024]

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins are set to square off in the first round of the NHL Eastern Conference playoffs.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are keen to level the series in the first round of the Eastern Conference. The team trails 1-2 following a 2:4 defeat in the third game, held in Toronto. With 11 power play goals and 24 assists for the season, Nylander should strengthen the team's play, which so far has only converted 1 of 11 power plays. Toronto won the second game of the series 3:2 in Boston but then lost the next two matches, including the last one with a goal conceded just 28 seconds after an even score in the third period.

The team has had problems with power play execution, with only 9.1% success, and improvements are needed in this area. In the last seven games, which include four defeats from different teams at the end of the season, Toronto has lost six matches. The team's offensive efficiency was only two goals per game, while the team's special squads showed weak results. Auston Matthews and Max Domi lead the series with three points each. Goalie Ilya Samsonov, with 3.05 goals conceded and 89.5% of shots deflected, continues to show inconsistent gameplay, but is performing brilliantly in the playoffs.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are successfully navigating the playoff series, having won the first and third games 4:2 and 5:1, respectively. This has given them a 2-1 series lead. In the first game, Boston dominantly controlled the game at home, and in the third game, the team made 34 shots at the goal and scored three goals in the third period, thanks to DeBrusk and Marchand's two goals. In the playoffs, Boston is scoring an average of 3.67 goals per game, while their power play has a success rate of 50%, and penalty shots are deflected at 90.9%. 

The team's captain, Brad Marchand, is on the verge of surpassing Cam Neely's record for playoff goals, currently having scored 55 goals. In terms of goaltending choice, Boston is reliant on Jeremy Swayman, who has a save percentage of 95.5%. Swayman was particularly efficient, conceding just three goals in 64 shots. After losing the second game, the team bounced back and won 4:2 in Toronto, with Swayman deflecting 28 out of 30 shots, proving his reliability in the net.

Match Prediction Toronto Maple Leafs - Boston Bruins

It's easier to identify a favourite in this pair, because Boston is leading both the series and the season. I'm expecting careful defensive play and betting on a total goal under 6. At home, the Canadians are fully capable of putting up a fight and playing solidly on the back line. I'm looking forward to a brilliant performance from Samsonov.