- What: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins - Game 5
- When: Tuesday, April 30th
- Where: TD Garden
It's win or go home for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series with the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, currently trailing 3-1. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7 PM ET at the TD Garden in Beantown. Toronto has struggled immensely in the series and lost Game 4 by a score of 3-1, failing to win either game on home ice. Now, they're tasked with beating the Bruins in their arena. While Boston could afford to lose one, they will surely be hoping to finish off their Atlantic Division foes and move on to the conference semifinals. Continue reading for the Maple Leafs vs Bruins Game 5 picks.
Before we get into the odds, preview, and prediction, make sure to check out our NHL Playoffs Page and our Stanley Cup Odds.
Maple Leafs vs Bruins Game 5 Odds
| Team |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +128 | +120 | +125 |
| Boston Bruins | -144 | -140 | -145 |
The Bruins are the clear favorite in Game 5 with -144 odds for an implied win probability of 59.02%. The Maple Leafs meanwhile sit at +128 and have a 43.28% chance of extending the series. Toronto's only win in the first round was on the road, taking Game 2 at TD Garden.
Can Maple Leafs Stay Alive?
Playoff disappointment is a common storyline for Toronto. Despite having such a talented roster, the Leafs continuously fail to live up to expectations in the postseason. They haven't advanced past the second round since 2002 and unless they can do the unthinkable, that streak will continue. Toronto's offense has looked very poor in this first round, with the big guns struggling to produce. Auston Matthews has just one goal and two assists through the first four games, while William Nylander has only played once but didn't make much of an impact. Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Morgan Reilly have done next to nothing.
Game 4 was a lot of the same for the Maple Leafs. They tallied 25 shots but had just one goal and that didn't come until the third period when the team was already trailing 3-0. Toronto was also 0 for 3 on the power play, which is concerning in itself. The Leafs didn't perform whatsoever at Scotiabank Arena and unless they can win Game 5, their fans will be left with a sour taste in their mouths.
The Leafs lost in the conference semifinals a year ago to the Panthers, who are one win away from advancing, too. A rematch looks to be unlikely. But, miracles have happened before. Matthews and Co. must bring their best while the blue line has to keep the likes of David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand at bay.
Bruins One Win Away
Everyone remembers Boston's historic 2022-23 campaign where they won the Presidents Trophy before flaming out in the first round of the playoffs, losing to the Panthers in seven games. Many believed the Bruins wouldn't be a force again in 2023-24, but that was far from the truth. Jim Montgomery's team had a 47-20-15 record in the regular season, marching into the playoffs with tons of confidence. Boston hit the ground in running in Game 1 with a dominant 5-1 victory and more or less have kept it going in the series.
Going into Toronto and winning back-to-back contests is extremely difficult, but the Bruins did it. Wednesday was a 4-2 win before a 3-1 win on Saturday. James van Riemsdyk scored in the first while Marchand and Pastrnak also found the back of the net in the second. Boston was 1 for 3 on the power play and lost the face-off battle by a lot but it didn't matter.
Marchand has been a beast in these playoffs. He's registered eight points, including three goals and five helpers. Jake DeBrusk meanwhile has five points, while Pastrnak, their best guy, has four points. As previously mentioned, the Panthers are likely going to advance so the Bruins could potentially have a chance at revenge in the next round. You better believe Boston wants to beat Florida after how things played out in 23'. But first, the focus is getting one more win against the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs vs Bruins Game 5 Picks
Toronto honestly hasn't proved much in this series. But one thing is for sure: They choke at home. That's why I believe the Leafs will win Game 5 in Boston before losing in Game 6 at Scotiabank.
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