The first-round playoff encounter of the Stanley Cup between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs will take place on April 25 at the Canadian Tire Centre. The series score is 2-0 in favor of Toronto. Ottawa vs. Toronto: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ottawa Senators
Travis Green's squad fell short in the second away game of the series (2-3 in OT). Ottawa managed to rally from a 0-2 deficit, scoring once on the power play, but conceded just three minutes into overtime after managing only one shot on goal. Notably, Ottawa is one of the most conceding teams in these playoffs (9 goals) and ranks among the bottom five in penalty killing (42.9%).
- Ottawa has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 9 NHL home games.
- The team has won at the end of three periods in 5 of their last 7 home league matches.
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in Ottawa's last four NHL home games.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Craig Berube's team bolstered their series lead, winning their seventh consecutive NHL game (4 in OT). John Tavares emerged as the top performer in this match (1+1), while Max Domi scored the game-winning goal. Currently, Toronto is among the top-scoring teams in this Stanley Cup run, with nine goals to their name. The club also boasts one of the highest power-play percentages (57.1%).
- Toronto has won 4 of their last 6 NHL games at Ottawa's venue (1 in OT, 1 in shootouts).
- The team has not conceded more than two goals in 60 minutes in 4 of their last 6 away league matches.
- No more than six goals have been scored in regulation time in 11 of Toronto's last 12 NHL games.
Ottawa vs. Toronto: Match Prediction
So far in this series, Ottawa hasn't played to a 0-3 deficit, and I believe they have a chance to turn the tide. The team was close to triumph in the last game, and now the home advantage should further aid them in challenging the opponent.
Ottawa appears stable at home, having not lost in regulation time in their last seven NHL matches (5 wins, 2 draws). Meanwhile, Toronto hasn't been as convincing in recent head-to-heads in Ottawa, failing to win in regulation in 8 of 10 instances (4 draws, 4 losses).
I believe Travis Green's team will make the most of their home opportunities, and even if they don't win in regulation, they will at least replicate the outcome of the previous series match. My prediction: Ottawa Senators to win or draw
