In this article, we will formulate a Maple Leafs vs Lightning prediction for this NHL showdown on Wednesday, April 17th at Amalie Arena. We will take a look at:
-The Toronto Maple Leafs recent form and recent player performance
-The Tampa Bay Lightning’s recent form and recent player performance
-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for today’s game between the Maple Leafs and Lightning.
Maple Leafs on Tired Legs
The Maple Leafs are going to be playing on tired legs in this game after their game on Wednesday against the Florida Panthers. The Maple Leafs had lost two games in a row heading into Tuesday’s game against Florida. The Maple Leafs are averaging 3.65 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.13 goals per game. The offense is ranked 2nd in the league, while the defense is ranked 18th. Auston Matthews has scored 69 goals and added 38 assists so far this season.
Lightning Coming off a Loss
The Lightning faced off against the Buffalo Sabres in the last game, and they were defeated 4-2. Andrei Vasilevskiy saved 30 of the 34 shots that he faced. The Lightning are averaging 3.48 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.24 goals per game. The offense is ranked 5th in the league, while the defense is ranked 22nd. Nikita Kucherov has scored 43 goals and added 99 assists so far this season.
Tampa Bay Lightning Team Facts
- The Lightning have lost four of their last five games as favorites.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the last seven games between the Maple Leafs and Lightning at Amalie Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Lightning’s last 10 games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Lightning have won the second period in each of their last eight Wednesday games as home favorites.
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Facts
- The Maple Leafs have won each of their last five games as underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in each of their last nine games as underdogs following a road loss.
- The favorites have won the second period in each of the Maple Leafs’ last seven games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last five games as underdogs.
Maple Leafs vs Lightning Prediction
The Lightning are averaging 3.48 goals, and they are going to have no issue running up the score here. The Maple Leafs are averaging 3.65 goals per game, and they are going to have no issue running up the score here also. Both of the teams are going to have no issue running up the score and that is going to be the difference here as this game is going to be a shootout. Back the over to cash.