- What: Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs - Game 3
- When: Wednesday, April 24th
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Arguably the most intriguing series of the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs first round will head north of the border on Wednesday as the Toronto Maple Leafs get ready to host their Atlantic Division rivals, the Boston Bruins for Game 3. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7 PM ET at Scotiabank Arena. Boston took Game 1 in convincing fashion by a score of 5-1 but Toronto responded in Game 2 on Monday, winning a 3-2 nailbiter, therefore the series is tied 1-1 at the moment and this contest will be a very important one for both teams. Continue reading for the Bruins vs Maple Leafs Game 3 picks.
Before we get into the odds, preview, and prediction, make sure to check out our NHL Playoffs Page and our Stanley Cup Odds.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs Game 3 Odds
| Team |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | -101 | -103 | -105 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | -111 | -117 | -115 |
As you can see, there's really no favorite here. The Bruins sit at -101, while the Maple Leafs return at -111. It's been like this for most of the series so far given how even the two teams are in terms of talent. This first-round matchup could go either way.
Bruins Looking to Respond
Boston came out and completely dominated in the series opener at the TD Garden, breaking things wide open with three goals in the second period. But, it was a much different story in Game 2. The Bruins took a 2-1 lead into the second but failed to score again in the contest, going ice cold offensively. Instead, the Leafs netted twice, with none other than Auston Matthews scoring the game-winner. Heading on the road to Scotiabank will be a difficult task for Boston given the hostile atmosphere of Toronto fans. Nevertheless, they need to bounce back here and find their best again.
Jim Montgomery's squad had a solid regular season, finishing with a 47-20-15 record, which put them in second in the Atlantic behind only the Florida Panthers. David Pastrnak was the leading man for the Bruins, registering 110 points, including 47 goals and 63 assists. He's undoubtedly their best player and has already compiled two points in the series. Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Pavel Zacha are reliable weapons as well. So far in these playoffs, Jake DeBrusk is really stepping up, scoring twice in Game 1 and also assisting a goal in Monday's loss.
For what it's worth, the Bruins have won back-to-back games at Scotiabank Arena, outscoring the Leafs 10-2 in the process. Yes, playoff hockey is a whole different beast, but that alone will give them some confidence on Wednesday. Let's be honest though, Boston is already a team with the utmost belief in themselves and it wouldn't be surprising to see them play a lot better.
Can Leafs Take Advantage of Home Ice?
We know that home advantage plays a part in any sport, it doesn't matter if it's basketball or hockey. Although Toronto was only 22-15-4 at Scotiabank during the regular season, you know they will feed off the wild crowd in Games 3 and 4. This is a hockey city and they love their team. The Maple Leafs had to grab a game on the road on Monday and managed to do so in thrilling fashion. Max Domi and John Tavares both got on the scoresheet before Matthews beat Linus Ullmark with a beautiful shot courtesy of a Domi assist in the final period. The NHL's leading goal scorer came through in the clutch, just like he's expected to.
Toronto outshot Boston 34-29 and was 1 for 3 on the power play in what proved to be a very exciting affair. Matthews ultimately finished with three points, also assisting his team's two other goals. Superstars shine when the lights are brightest and Matthews definitely did in Game 2. This Leafs squad has an electric offense but they're still without William Nylander, who is hurt. However, he could play in Game 3, which provides Sheldon Keefe's squad with a major boost. After all, he's a guy who had 98 points during the regular season.
The Maple Leafs will be hoping to change the narrative from last postseason where they went an atrocious 1-5 at Scotiabank. There's nothing the fans want more than to see their team perform on the grand stage. Toronto does have some momentum after a massive win in Beantown, so we'll see if they can keep it rolling here.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs Game 3 Picks
History is hard to ignore. While I do think Toronto will win a game or two at home in these playoffs, I believe Boston is going to take this one. Take the moneyline.
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