Expert prediction
NHL Playoffs Game One: Lightning vs Maple Leafs Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Apr 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Toronto Maple Leafs looking to end their winless playoff series run
- Tampa Bay Lightning looking to eliminate the Leafs in the opening round for the second straight season
There will be a rematch of the opening round showdown between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022-23. The Leafs exited the playoffs at this stage after seven games last season, and they will be looking to win a playoff series for the first time since 2004.
How To Watch
- When: Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m ET
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
- How To Watch: NHL TV
Odds
| Lightning | Maple Leafs |
|---|---|
Team News
It has become a recurring joke surrounding the Leafs that they have boasted all the quality to make a deep run in the playoffs before getting eliminated in the opening round. That was the case once again last season, as they lost in seven games against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, things could be different for the team this term, as they impressed throughout the regular campaign.
Toronto comes into this showdown in solid form, as they have won each of their last four and seven of their previous ten. The Leafs have also been one of the most impressive teams at home this term, as they have gone 27-8-6 at the Scotiabank Arena.
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The Tampa Bay Lightning will be looking to reach a fourth straight Stanley Cup finals this season, and they once again lock horns with the Leafs in the opening round. Tampa comes into this game after winning just four of their last ten, while they have gone just 18-22-1 on the road this season.
However, they come into this opening game after picking up a win in their final game of the regular season. The Lightning was beaten at the Scotiabank in games one and five last season, but did record victory in the crucial game seven, which booked their spot in the next round of the playoffs.
Picks
Something certainly has to change for the Leafs, as they surely can’t extend their winless series record in the playoffs again this year. This opening game for the hosts will be massive in terms of their confidence, and we see them getting over the line with a success over the Lightning.
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