Bruins vs. Maple Leafs Odds, Picks, Predictions: Look to the Under for Value
Losers of threestraight games for the first time all season, the struggling Boston Bruins visit the rival Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Read on for our best Bruins vs. Maple Leafs pick based on topodds.
Are the Boston Bruinsin … a slump?
The Bruins have dropped three games in a row for the first time in 2022-23 – and still hold a seven-point lead over the rest of the league, which is the best illustration of just how dominant the B's have been.
Boston enters Wednesday's action with an impressive 16-6-2 road record, good for a .708 away points percentagethat is tied for fourth-best in the league.
Still, a skid is a skid – and the Maple Leafs should prove to be worthy opponents for their Original Six rivals. Toronto has 70 points in 51 games and has thrived under goaltender Ilya Samsonov, who is 5-1-1 in seven straight starts in place of the injured Matt Murray.
This should be a compelling matchup on the last night of games before the NHL All-Star break betweenthe first- and third-place teams in the overall standings.
Here is our best Bruinsvs. Maple Leafs NHL pick (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; pickconfidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs game info
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVAS, NESN
- Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs odds
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs odds analysis
The FanDuel moneyline opened with the MapleLeafs favored at -120 and the Bruins at +100. A quick early surge in the Bruins' favor (60% of the wagers on Boston) has resulted in a major line move, with the Bruins now at -130 and the Leafs at +106.
The total opened at a rock-bottom 5.5, with the Overat -122 and the Under at +100. With 73% of the early consensus action coming inon the Over, the total has predictably moved to 6, with the Over at -104 and the Under at-118.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs pick
Under 6 (-118 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐
The Bruins had beenrunning roughshod over the NHL until their recent slump, which has seen them score just six total goalsin their three consecutive losses.
However, the Bruins havebeen a strong defensive team all season, ranking fourth in expected goals againstand third in goals against per 60 minutes on the road.
Boston has hit a totalof six goals or fewer in seven of its past eight games while Toronto has reacheda total of six or fewer in six of its previous 10.
Samsonov has been outstanding on home ice, with a .930 save percentage,1.89 Goals Against Average and 11.73 Goals Saved Above Expected in 17 games. He has allowed two orfewer goals in 12 of 15 starts at Scotiabank Arena.
Aside from Samsonov’sstrong play, the other reason to like the Leafs to hit the Under is that AustonMatthews remains out of the lineup with a knee injury. Even if this season hasnot been up to Matthews’ usually stratospheric standards, he stillhas 25 goals in 47 games – and that offense is not easily replaced, especiallyagainst a team as strong as Boston.
In a vacuum, I like this game as a four-star pick. However, on the last night before a holiday break, for two teams comfortably in the playoffs, I do have some doubt about how much focus there might be on the defensive details as opposed to weather patterns in Mexico. Thus, this pick gets three stars from me.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs best odds
FanDuel (-118)
Caesars and PointsBethave a total at 5.5, which makes for a bolder Under pick. At least at 6,a 3-2 game with an empty net goal can still end in a push. FanDuel, DraftKings,and BetMGM are all on a total of 6, with FanDuel at -118 coming in with thebest price.
This total appears tobe hovering on the edge, so if money comes in on the Under at 6, do not besurprised if DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM join the other top-ratedsportsbooks with the total at 5.5.
Bruins-Maple Leafspick made 2/1/2023 at 9:30 a.m. ET.
(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.
Best Online Sportsbooks | Best Sportsbook Promos (U.S. only)
