We’ve got a busy slate Saturday night, including a marquee rivalry game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.
These two teams have given us some amazing games in recent memory, and we should expect the same again tonight.
The NHL odds suggest Boston should come out victorious, but if Auston Matthews’ breakout game comes tonight, it could be a different story. Find out why in my free NHL picks for this December 2 matchup.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs odds
Bruins vs Maple Leafs predictions
It’s time to renew an Original Six rivalry as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Boston Bruins tonight at Scotiabank Arena.
The Maple Leafs have won two in a row in extra time, relying on stout goaltending from Joseph Woll to mask the defensive deficiencies. Meanwhile, Boston enters tonight’s game off a winning note against San Jose on Thursday after its first three-game skid of the season.
During that losing streak, Boston gave up 17 goals in three games, and has given up 5+ goals in four of its last six games. The defense has been leaky, with the underlying numbers lining up — the Bs’ 3.82 goals against per 60, and a similar expected goals against per 60 minutes at 3.33, ranking as the ninth-worst defensive team in all situations.
Enter Auston Matthews.
It’s been a tough stretch for Matthews, who hasn’t scored in four games and has just one goal over his last nine. However, he still ranks in the Top 15 in expected goals (2.98) over this four-game goalless skid, while ranking eighth in individual high-danger chances. So, he’s getting to the right areas on the ice, but he just hasn’t gotten any shots to fall for him.
Tonight seems like a get-right game for the Leafs’ star sniper, as he’s been extremely productive against Boston throughout his career. The former Rocket winner has scored in six of the last seven meetings between these two teams, totaling eight goals in those games, including a goal in the November matchup where Matthews finished with two points.
There’s also a good chance we see the Bruins opt to use their matchup line and top shutdown defensive pair on the Leafs’ second line of Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Tyler Bertuzzi, who’ve clearly been Toronto’s most dangerous trio of late. That should also lead to a more favorable matchup for Matthews tonight against Boston to try and bust the slump.
Additionally, over Boston’s last six games, they’ve been the second-most penalized team in hockey and have allowed five power-play goals in that span. This could be another opportunity to get Matthews on the board, as he’s tied for the team lead with five goals on the man advantage this season.
My best bet: Auston Matthews anytime goal (+105 at SIA)
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Bruins vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay
For leg one of my same-game parlay, we’ll roll with my best bet and take an anytime from Matthews. He’s got eight goals in his last seven meetings against Boston, and it’s only a matter of time before he offensively. I think tonight is a good night to bet on it happening.
Next up, let’s take the Leafs to go Over their team total of 2.5 goals. The Buds have 3+ goals in eight of their last 10 games and average over 3.5 goals on home ice this season. Couple that with the Bruins giving up an average of 3.82 goals over their last six, to go along with some lackluster defensive numbers... I like Toronto to find some offense in this one.
For my final leg, let’s go with Toronto +1.5 on the spread. Overtime is a real possibility in this matchup. The last two meetings have gone to extra time, with Boston coming away victorious. Either way, these have been close hockey games, with four of the last five games being decided by a goal with the underdog cashing on the puck line.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Bruins vs Maple Leafs moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Bruins enter tonight as slight favorites at -115 odds, with Toronto as the home underdog paying -105. No matter how these two teams are playing, this matchup is always a close one, with both teams playing their best hockey against one another, as four of their last five games have been decided by one goal. That said, the Bruins have come out on top in four straight games, cashing as the moneyline favorites. Are the Leafs now due with Boston slumping and Toronto winning two straight?
The total for tonight’s game is set at 6.0 goals. The Over is favored at -120 odds, with the Under paying even money (+100). The Under has hit in back-to-back meetings between these two teams and has hit in three of their last five games. However, with Boston’s defending hitting a skid here lately and Toronto’s injuries on defense, the Over is 7-3 for both teams over their last 10 games. Additionally, it appears the money is coming in on the Over with 67% of the handle.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs betting trend to know
The Over is 6-1 in the Leafs' last seven home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs. Maple Leafs.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBC, NESN |
Bruins vs Maple Leafs latest injuries
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