Ottawa Senators host Toronto Maple Leafs, who hold 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3 on Thursday
Thursday night is the ultimate opportunity for NHL fans, with a loaded slate of thrilling matchups on day two of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The game that sticks out is the Battle of Ontario between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, which promises to be a physical war of attrition.
Both teams don't like each other as they meet for the 174th time. Toronto holds an all-time postseason record of 16-8 fuelled by four straight series wins.
For bettors, this matchup provides a chance to capitalize on some of our recent strong trends, like our 18-8 record on our last 26 picks, including a 5-0 day on Sunday for the Maple Leafs-Senators game one.
All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators Best Bets:
- Senators ML (-128)
- Over 5.5 goals (-115)
- Brady Tkachuk Over 0.5 points (-150)
- Tim Stutzle Under 0.5 points (+138)
The Sens were within reach during game two as they overcame a 2-0 deficit to force overtime before Max Domi buried the game winner. Ottawa will look to bounce back, having played a much better second game following a blowout loss in the series opener.
Toronto's offence has been red hot as they've scored first and fast with goals in the opening minutes of both games. They will go on the road with a commanding 2-0 series lead and here's where I believe they take their foot off the gas.
A common Maple Leafs tradition is for the team to get comfortable when they should be trying to finish off the opposing team and a perfect example was game two.
I expect Ottawa to feel the door open up and they take full advantage with a big game three win. Ottawa has lost four of their last six home matchups versus Toronto but their fortunes should change.
The common thread throughout their recent history at Canadian Tire centre has been offence with six or more goals in 18 of their last 24 matchups.
The Senators offence will need to combat the Maple Leafs' and that should come from the captain, Brady Tkachuk. We've been patiently waiting for a massive Tkachuk performance as he's been dying to play meaningful games and this is his first one at home with a sold-out crowd.
The Arizona native has struggled in the past versus Toronto with just two goals and an assist over his last ten games versus Toronto. However, I do believe he will do anything in his power to generate offence but it may be without the help of Tim Stutzle.
Ottawa's leading scorer this season has struggled to generate much offence with just one point so far that came on an insignificant pass that didn't aid to the development of the scoring play.
Stutzle has struggled with his smaller frame and has been easily uplifted off the puck several times.
I'm going to continue riding this all series long after his three shots in game two were all low- to mid-danger chances at best. He's also been heavily criticised his poor adaption to playoff hockey after throwing invaluable hits that don't land much damage and are just removing him from the play.
The German winger could continue to make adjustments and become an impact player but so far he hasn't been showing enough to warrant any bets on his play.