The Tampa Bay Lightning (46-30-6) visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (50-21-11) on Tuesday for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Lightning and Maple Leafs renew playoff acquaintances for the 2nd consecutive season. Tampa Bay edged Toronto 4-3 in the opening round last year, including a 2-1 win at Scotiabank Arena in Game 7.
Tampa Bay struggled down the stretch in the regular season, winning just once in the final 5 games and posting a 4-8-0 record in its last 12 outings. That includes a 4-3 loss on home ice against the Maple Leafs in the most recent meeting last Tuesday.
The Lightning won 4-3 in OT in the first meeting on Dec. 3 at Amalie Arena. The Leafs won the final 2 regular-season meetings, including a 4-1 win on Dec. 20 in the only meeting in Ontario.