Toronto Maple Leafs Gm 2 odds, picks, prediction

The Tampa Bay Lightning (0-1) and Toronto Maple Leafs (1-0) meet for Game 2 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 2 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning were roughed up in Game 1, both on the scoreboard and with the fists. The two-time defending champs suffered a 5-0 loss and were left embarrassed and bloodied, especially after D Morgan Rielly got into a dust-up with D Jan Rutta.

Game 1 featured 113 minutes of penalties, and LW Kyle Clifford of the Leafs kicked it off with a 5-minute boarding major and game misconduct in the 1st period. That infraction led to a 1-game suspension, so look for veteran C Jason Spezza to draw in for Clifford.

Lightning at Maple Leafs odds and lines

Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:42 a.m. ET.

Lightning at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (39-18-5, 2.49 GAA, .916 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Jack Campbell (31-9-6, 2.64 GAA, .914 SV%, 5 SO – regular season)

Vasilevskiy had a rare rough outing in the series opener. The good news for Lightning fans and bettors is that Vasilevskiy is 14-0-0 with a .966 SV% and 5 shutouts during the past 2 playoff runs following a loss.

Campbell stopped 23 shots to post his 2nd-career playoff shutout, helping the Leafs grab the early series lead. He’ll need to continue that level of play if the Leafs are to oust the 2-time defending champs and win a series for the first time since 2004.

Lightning at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Maple Leafs 2

The LIGHTNING (+110) were stunningly bad, and they were punched in the mouth – literally. Expect the experienced Bolts to bounce back, as it’s hard to bet against a team with a championship pedigree.

Plus, those numbers for Vasilevskiy after a playoff loss across the past 2 seasons back up the decision to roll with Tampa. He is unreal following a setback.

The Lightning +1.5 (-240) will cost you nearly two and a half times your potential return. Tampa was bad in Game 1, but this is a Toronto team that is still fighting ghosts of playoff seasons past, having failed to get out of the first round since 2004. This is also a team that hasn’t had a championship since 1967. Until they start showing they can win in the postseason regularly, fade the Leafs.

AVOID.

UNDER 6.5 (-130) is the way to go here. While I don’t expect Tampa to get blanked again, I also don’t expect the Toronto offense to go off on Vasilevskiy like it did in Game 1. Look for a much tighter game defensively on both sides of the ice.

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