The first round playoff clash of the Stanley Cup between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs will take place on April 27 at the Canadian Tire Centre. The series stands at 3-0 in favor of Toronto. Ottawa vs. Toronto: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ottawa Senators
Travis Green's side suffered their third defeat in the series, losing 2-3 in overtime on home ice. The team once again took the lead, managed to equalize after two goals from the opponent, but failed to register a single shot on target in overtime. Notably, Claude Giroux earned two points in the last game (1 goal, 1 assist). In this playoff, Ottawa is one of the teams conceding the most goals (12) and is also among the worst in penalty killing (44.4%).
- Ottawa has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 4 of their last 5 home NHL meetings.
- The team has not lost in regulation time in their last eight home league games (5 wins, 3 draws).
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 NHL games.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Craig Berube's team is on the brink of advancing to the next round. In the last game, two players from the team, Mitchell Marner (2 assists) and Auston Matthews (1 goal, 1 assist), each earned two points. In the current Stanley Cup run, the team ranks among the top three in goals scored (12) and is also one of the most reliable defensively (6 goals conceded).
- Toronto has won 5 of their last 7 NHL meetings at Ottawa's venue (2 in overtime, 1 by shootout).
- The team has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 away league games.
- No more than five goals have been scored in regulation time in 6 of Toronto's last 7 NHL away games.
Ottawa vs. Toronto: Match Prediction
Ottawa is fighting hard, taking the opponent to overtime more than once, but Toronto currently looks stronger due to their leaders' performances and small details. If the visitors lose the upcoming game and allow their opponent to gain momentum, it could impact them going forward, making it risky to give their opponent a chance now.
I believe Toronto will try to close out the series in the next match. On the road, they have lost only once in their last eight NHL games (4 wins, 3 draws). Additionally, they have not lost at Ottawa's venue in 5 of their last 7 league meetings (2 wins, 3 draws). So far in this series, Craig Berube's team appears stronger in the finer details, and I don't expect them to lose in regulation time, even if Ottawa puts up maximum resistance.
My prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs to win or draw
