The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators will take place on April 30 at the Scotiabank Arena. The series score is 3-1 in favor of Toronto. Toronto vs. Ottawa: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Craig Berube's team was on the verge of advancing to the next round but ultimately fell to Ottawa in overtime, losing 3-4 in an away game. In this Stanley Cup run, the team ranks among the top three in terms of goals scored (15 goals) while also being one of the most reliable defensively (10 goals).
- Toronto has not lost in their last nine league games after three periods (6 draws, 3 wins).
- The team has scored at least three goals in 5 of their last 7 NHL games within 60 minutes.
- No more than five goals have been scored after three periods in 5 of Toronto's last 6 home NHL games.
Ottawa Senators
After three consecutive losses, Travis Green's men managed to secure a long-awaited victory, winning 4-3 in overtime. The decisive goal in the aforementioned game was scored by defenseman Jake Sanderson. In this playoff, Ottawa is one of the most conceding teams (15 goals) and also ranks among the worst in penalty killing (43.6%).
- Ottawa has not scored more than three goals in their last four NHL games within 60 minutes.
- The club has failed to secure a win after three periods in their last four league games (1 loss, 3 draws).
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in 7 of Ottawa's last 9 NHL games.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
In the previous match, Toronto clearly underestimated their opponent. I believe this time, the club will regroup and triumph. On home ice, the team is unmatched: Toronto has won their last nine home games in the NHL (3 in OT). The club doesn't sit back and actively attacks the opponent: Toronto has scored at least three goals in 5 of their last 7 home league games within 60 minutes. The defense for the hosts in the upcoming match is also solid, conceding no more than two goals in 6 of their last 8 league games in regulation time.
Ottawa struggled to secure a win in the last game, and I doubt the team can offer much resistance to Toronto this time. The club performs poorly in away games: Ottawa has lost their last four away NHL games (2 in OT). Likely due to weak attack execution, the team has scored no more than two goals in their last four away league games within 60 minutes.
Toronto has proven themselves on home ice. I believe the hosts will come out on top. My prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs to win the match
