2023 NHL Playoffs Best Bets: Lightning VS Maple Leafs Game One

Tampa Bay Lightning VS Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview

Tonight the Toronto Maple Leafs set out on their journey to claim their first Stanley Cup victory since 1967 as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a rematch from last year’s first-round postseason series.

Both the Lightning and Leafs are legitimate title contenders this season and have put together impressive rosters that could have them set for a deep playoff run. Before either side can make an attempt to reach the Stanley Cup Final, they must first get past one another kicking things off with a heated Game One tilt in Toronto.

At Canadian Sports Betting, we supply our readers with the best bets on the Lightning VS Maple Leafs so you can score yourself a boost to your bankroll while enjoying the intensity of the NHL playoffs. Below we’ve compiled the top moneymaking picks & predictions as well as helpful betting resources so you can elevate your NHL handicapping skills to the next level on this evening’s action.

Not only can you net yourself your latest win with our Lighting VS Leafs best bets, but we also provide you with the best online sports betting sites in Canada to place your wagers with. We have thoroughly reviewed and vetted each of the top online sportsbooks in Ontario to bring you the most reliable and trusted NHL betting options available in your region.

Find the online bookmaker that fits your sports betting needs, sign up using the links provided on-site, and place your first winning wager with our Lightning VS Maple Leafs best bets.

Lightning VS Maple Leafs Picks & Predictions

Moneyline Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs

Looking to kick things off on the right foot, look for the Maple Leafs to come out guns blazing against the Lightning, taking the win on home ice to begin their best-of-seven series. Last year it was the Leafs who prevailed with the lopsided Game One win as they throttled the Lightning 5-0 in a series they would ultimately lose.

This year the Maple Leafs got the better of the Lightning during their regular season series, capturing two wins out of three total meetings. While this is a great feather in the cap for the Maple Leafs, the postseason is an entirely different animal than the regular season.

The Leafs management has done a fantastic job at creating a roster full of proven playoff performers that won’t shy away when the lights turn their brightest. With ScotiaBank Arena set to be rocking thanks to the Leafs faithful, look for the Maple Leafs to play with urgency from start to finish, picking up the crucial Game One victory and scoring you a moneyline win on your NHL playoff bet slips.

Puckline Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (+1.5)

While the Leafs are our pick to win the game outright, don’t expect to see the Lightning to be out of striking distance by the time the final buzzer sounds. Coming off of their third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, if there’s a team in the NHL playoffs that knows what it takes to go the distance, it’s the Lightning.

With their championship core still intact, look for the Lightning to rely on their top performers to propel their squad onto the scoreboard, making it tough for the Maple Leafs to gain momentum throughout the game.

A definite X-factor in ensuring the Lightning cover the puckline against the Leafs in Game One comes in the form of a 6′4 Russian goaltender by the name of Andrei Vasilevskiy.

One of the best netminders to ever guard the crease, Vasilevskiy is nearly impossible to beat in the postseason. Averaging a superb 2.10 goals against average as well as a 92.8 save percentage, look for Vas to keep his team alive throughout this high-stakes clash.

Back the Lightning to keep the Leafs on their toes, covering the puckline as underdogs in Game One of the first round.

Over/Under: Under 6 Goals

Tonight’s setting will be the epitome of a playoff hockey atmosphere, meaning the hits are bigger, the action is faster, and the scores are lower as each team makes defending their home goal a priority. While both teams in this series are well known for their goal-scoring prowess, look for the score to stay stagnant as neither side can pull ahead throughout the matchup.

Both the Lightning and Leafs finished in the top half of the league standings in terms of goals allowed per game, demonstrating their ability to protect their end efficiently on any given night. With no room for error, don’t expect to see either side force anything, instead staying true to their game plan as they feel each other out in the opening clash of the series.

Bet the Under on the Lightning VS Maple Leafs Game One and watch as your account balance rises while the scoreboard stays low.

Best Lightning VS Maple Leafs Player Prop Bets

Nikita Kucherov Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

A deadly sniper when the puck is at the end of his stick, look for Lightning forward, Nikita Kucherov to register Over 2.5 shots on goal against the Maple Leafs this evening. Always a threat to push the pace and generate a scoring chance for his team, Kucherov is as crafty as they come when he enters the offensive zone.

Not just a leader offensively in even-strength, Kucherov also serves as the focal point of the Lightnings power play unit. Getting incredible looks with the man advantage, Kuch often piles up shots on goal through the special teams unit.

With his knack for scoring and ability to perform under high-pressure scenarios, bet on Kucherov to make his presence felt on the ice as he labels Over 2.5 shots on goal against the Leafs.

William Nylander Over 0.5 Points

Coming off of a career-high in points this season with 87, look for Leafs forward, William Nylander to continue his stellar season as he registers a point on the board against the Lightning in tonight’s showdown. Possessing sensational speed and agility on the ice, Nylander excels at blowing by defenders and creating dangerous scoring chances up close and personal with the opposing goalie.

A proven goal-scorer as well as a tremendous passer, Nylander is a threat to capture multi-point performances against any opponent. Back Nylander to get his team on the board against the Lightning, using his world-class skills to provide the Leafs with an opportunity to win the game, scoring Over 0.5 points in Game One.

Lightning VS Maple Leafs Same Game Parlay

One of the best ways to bet on the 2023 NHL Playoffs is with same game parlays. Same game parlays allow bettors to combine game lines and prop bets into a single bet slip for increased odds with every bet selection added.

Be cautious with how many picks you choose to include in your Lightning VS Maple Leafs same game parlay as if even one bet featured fails to hit, the entire wager is a loss.

Craft your Lighting VS Maple Leafs same game parlay or take advantage of our terrific pre-built bet found below to secure your next big win!

• Toronto Maple Leafs to Score the First Goal
• Toronto Maple Leafs to Score the Last Goal
• Auston Matthews Anytime Goal Scorer

Total Odds (+330)

Lightning VS Maple Leafs Public Betting Trends

If you’re ever in need of a second opinion on your NHL bets, public betting trends may be just the betting resource you need to turn the tides in your favour. NHL public betting trends compile information on how other bettors are wagering on this evening’s action so you can see where the popular money lies before puck drop.

Seeing where the majority of other bettors are placing their bets, can help influence your wagers for the evening. Whether you decide to fade the public or ride with them, utilizing the latest Lighting VS Maple Leafs public betting trends could provide the winning edge on your NHL playoff bet slips tonight.

Moneyline Trends

Tampa Bay Lightning - 33%

Toronto Maple Leafs - 67%

Puckline Trends

Tampa Bay Lightning (+1.5) - 43%

Toronto Maple Leafs (-1.5) - 57%

Goal Total Trends

Over 6 - 56%

Under 6 - 44%

Lightning VS Maple Leafs Best Odds & Lines

Looking to score yourself the biggest possible win on all of your Lightning VS Maple Leafs bets tonight? Then look no further than the best odds & lines available on the Lightning VS Leafs compiled below.

We have directly compared all of the top online sportsbooks in Ontario and found which oddsmakers are offering the most profitable odds on tonight’s postseason tilt so you can maximize your winning potential with every wager.

Simply find the betting market you wish to wager on below, follow our direct links to the applicable online sportsbook, sign up, and place your bet with the best possible payout attached on the Lighting VS Leafs Game One.

Best Moneyline Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning - DraftKings (+140)

Toronto Maple Leafs - BetRivers (-155)

Best Puckline Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning (+1.5) - Bet365 (-185)

Toronto Maple Leafs (-1.5) - BetMGM (+165)

Best Goal Total Odds

Over 6 - DraftKings (+100)

Under 6 - FanDuel (+108)

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