The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Boston Bruins tonight, looking to get back into the win column.
My Maple Leafs vs Bruins predictions target William Nylander in the shots department, as my NHL picks for October 26 expect him to fire away.
Maple Leafs vs Bruins prediction
My Leafs pick
William Nylander Over 3.5 shots (-105 at Sports Interaction)
My Leafs analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter tonight on a two-game losing streak and hope to get back into the win column as they travel south of the border to take on the rival Boston Bruins.
The Bruins have struggled early in the year as well while allowing 34.6 shots per game. In fact, defensive zone coverage has been an area of weakness for the Bruins all season long, as they rank eighth in the NHL in shots allowed, giving up nearly 30 scoring chances per game, according to Natural Stat Trick.
As for the Maple Leafs, goal scoring has been few and far between, but shot generation has not been an issue this season. Toronto ranks fourth in the NHL, averaging 32.75 shots on goal per game, and Auston Matthews leads the charge with an NHL-high 39 shots through eight games.
However, it’s the William Nylander shot prop (Over 3.5) that has my eye tonight on the bet card.
Nylander is not shy when it comes to shooting the puck. The Swedish winger has gone Over 3.5 shots in three of his last four games, averaging 4.25 per game. This is pretty much a continuation of last season where Nylander had a career-high 316 shots for an average of 3.85 per game.
Additionally, Nylander commented the last game, suggesting his desire to play with a more direct approach that should lead to more shots.
We have to start attacking the net and stop looking to look for the perfect play.
When Nylander is directly attacking the net with authority, that’s usually when the shots quickly start piling up for him on the stat sheet. That’s what we saw from him last postseason against the Bruins, where he recorded five shots in each of the final three games and was the most dangerous Maple Lead on the ice.
I’m banking on a big response from the Leafs' leading goal scorer tonight as that shoot-first mentality shines through tonight in Boston.
Maple Leafs vs Bruins same-game parlay (SGP)
William Nylander 4+ shots
William Nylander anytime goalscorer
Under 7.5 goals
Keeping with the Nylander theme, I’ll bet for him to get an anytime goal tonight. He leads the Leafs with five goals through eight games and scored three times for Toronto in the postseason against Boston.
After a lackluster couple of games earlier in the week, I expect him to respond tonight and find the scoresheet.
Finally, we’ll finish the parlay by taking the Under on the alternate total of 7.5 goals. There haven't been many high-scoring affairs between these two clubs. There have been seven or fewer goals scored in 16 straight games (including playoffs).
I’ve bought up to this number just to be safe since both teams allow goals at a much higher rate this season, combining for 6.4 goals against per game. That's a full goal higher than the three-year average of 5.47 combined goals allowed between the Buds and Bruis.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Sports Interaction: Canada’s home for NHL
Looking to bet on some Leafs action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors, and get a 125% bonus on your first deposit (up to $250)!
*Not available in Ontario
Maple Leafs vs Bruins odds
Maple Leafs vs Bruins live odds
Maple Leafs vs Bruins opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto +1.5 (-250) | Boston -1.5 (+200)
- Moneyline: Toronto -110 | Boston -110
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-110)
Maple Leafs vs Bruins trend
The Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Bruins.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Bruins
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-26-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Maple Leafs vs Bruins latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
