Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Series Head-to-Head: Bruins 3-2 Maple Leafs
TV: TBS, NESN, Sportsnet, CBC
Our only game on NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins looking to close out the Toronto Maple Leafs. Many thought Auston Matthews being out of the lineup for Game 5 would have spelled curtains for the Leafs. However, Matthew Knies force the series back over the border with an overtime-winner. Could that goal be a turning point or was it just a blip on the screen?
The Bruins Story
Jeremy Swayman is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. There’s always the specter of Linus Ullmark coming in and getting the start for the first time before Game 2. Brad Marchand has been a thorn in the side of the Leafs with three goals so far this series. This includes two game-winning goals. Marchand also leads the Bruins in points with eight total this playoff run. Boston is well aware the pitfalls of squandering a 3-1 series lead like it did against the Florida Panthers. The Bruins’ offence does run through David Pastrnak, but he’ll need some help from other players in they want to put away the Leafs and advance.
The Maple Leafs Story
Joseph Woll was outstanding in Game 5 and gets the start once again in Game 6. Toronto will once again have to do without Matthews, who is out due to illness once again. However, the Leafs showed a ton of heart in managing to force a Game 6. Can they do the trick again and make a winner-take-all game in Boston happen? It’s a tall order, but not impossible. Players like Knies and Jake McCabe stepped in huge fashion. Max Domi leads the team in points with a goal and three assist for four points.
Prediction
Toronto does get the last change and will hopefully try to match lines against Pastrnak. The McCabe and Simon Benoit pairing did a great job limiting the Czech forward’s chances in Game 5. However, the duo will need to be just as good to force a Game 7.
Does Boston start to sweat if Toronto gets on the board early? The Leafs played great in the first period of the last game and will need the same type of start, but with maybe a lead to show for it this time.
Despite this, Boston finishes the job against Toronto and this means a possible new era for the Leafs. Toronto will make it interesting, but Boston moves on to seek revenge against Florida in round two.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Some prop bets may be in order for tonight’s action. We like Marchand in the villain role and having him getting the over on +0.5 goals. If you feel really saucy, throw down for him getting the game-winner.
As for Toronto, take John Tavares getting the over on +0.5 assists tonight for his hometown team. He’s been the one consistent part in the four star players Toronto has in this series. However, it could be the end of the line for this group.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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