We’ve got just one game on the NHL betting slate tonight: Game 6 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.
Toronto is hoping to stave off elimination once again tonight and push this series to seven games, but the team may be without superstar sniper Auston Matthews, which means someone else needs to step up to keep the season alive for the Buds.
Find out why I think William Nylander could be that guy tonight in my Bruins vs. Leafs predictions and NHL picks for this May 2 matchup.
Be sure to also check out Josh Inglis' favorite Bruins vs. Leafs prop picks!
Bruins vs Maple Leafs prediction
My best bet
William Nylander Over 3.5 shots (-105 at SIA)
My analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in another do-or-die situation tonight as they host the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the series, down three games to two.
The mountain becomes even harder to climb as Auston Matthews is once again expected to miss tonight’s game with his undisclosed illness/injury.
So, who is going to step up in his place and try to power the Leafs through to a deciding game seven with a heroic effort tonight?
I think it could be William Nylander.
Nylander has yet to score since returning to the lineup in Game 4, but has played over 22 minutes in each game, registering three and five shots, respectively.
That’s where my focus is for tonight’s best bet — the Nylander shot prop, which is set at 3.5 at -105.
The Bruins have been steady in net, only allowing an average of 1.8 goals per game. However, they have also given up the fourth-most shots this postseason, with the Leafs averaging 31.6 a night.
Nylander registered 316 shots during the regular season, averaging 3.85 per game. He’s also gone over the 3.5 mark in four of his last six games, averaging 4.8 shots per outing. That’s the type of volume the Leafs will need from Nylander tonight, with Matthews potentially missing another game if they want to stay alive and force a Game 7.
Additionally, without Matthews, Nylander becomes the triggerman on the power play, which could open up some more shot opportunities for him to reach the Over.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay (SGP)
William Nylander anytime goal
Under 6.5
Leafs to score first
For leg one of my same-game parlay, let’s mirror my Nylander shots prop with an anytime goal. Nylander has yet to score in his two games since returning, but that will have to change soon if the Leafs want to continue the season. I think he breaks through tonight.
Next up, let's take the alternate Under of 6.5 goals. Each game has gone Under this total this year, with an average of 4.8 goals per game in this series.
For my final leg, let’s take the Leafs to score first. They’ve only done this once in this series, but it was in Game 5 when the team came out of the starting gates with some serious juice. If they play with the same level of desperation in Game 6 tonight, they should be able to sustain momentum and net the first goal. Plus, this is something they did regularly in the regular season, winning this prop in 58% of their games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs odds
Bruins vs Maple Leafs live odds
Bruins vs Maple Leafs opening odds
- Puck line: Boston -1.5 +210 | Toronto +1.5 -300
- Moneyline: Boston -105 | Toronto -115
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-110) | Under 5.5 (-110)
Bruins vs Maple Leafs moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- This moneyline is sitting as a pick ‘em as of Thursday morning, with both teams being offered at -110.
- This game truly is a coin flip. I think this may be a live-game betting option once we see which Maple Leafs team shows up tonight.
- The total for tonight’s game is set at 5.5 goals, with the Over favored at -120, while the Under is paying even-money (+100).
- The Under is 3-1-1 with an average of 4.8 goals scored per game. It’s been tight and low-scoring all the way through, and there's no reason to expect anything different tonight. Take the Under.
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Bruins vs Maple Leafs trend
The Maple Leafs have hit the third-period Under in six of their last seven games. Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs. Maple Leafs.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Thursday, 5-2-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NESN, Sportsnet |
Bruins vs Maple Leafs latest injuries
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