We’ve got just two games on the NHL betting slate tonight — both of which have massive playoff implications — including a matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Toronto already has its playoff ticket booked and the NHL odds favor it to win tonight, but the pesky Pens have been on fire down the stretch, getting a nice spark from former Leaf Michael Bunting.
Find out how he may be a factor tonight in my free NHL picks for the Penguins vs Maple Leafs on April 8.
Penguins vs Maple Leafs odds
Penguins vs Maple Leafs predictions
We’re into the final stretch of the NHL season, and tonight’s Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins matchup will have strong implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Leafs are already locked into a playoff spot but Pittsburgh is marching with six wins in its last seven to put itself on the cusp of a wild-card position. Leading the way for the Pens with 13 points in those seven games is Sidney Crosby, but another name heating up is Michael Bunting, who has six points in his last three.
Bunting is making himself a lot of fans in Pittsburgh with 13 points in 16 games since arriving from Carolina in the Jake Guentzel trade.
He’s quickly gaining chemistry with Evgeni Malkin and Rickard Rakell. The trio have scored 11 goals together, with the sixth highest goals per 60 rate among any line mates who have played 131+ minutes together. The ‘process’ checks out too, as they generated 66% of the expected goals while on the ice together, according to moneypuck.
Of the three, Bunting provides the best value to register at least one point tonight at +105, especially considering he’s also a member of the Penguins top power play unit.
Plus, the Leafs have given up the fifth most goals per game while at home — averaging 3.34 goals against — so there should be plenty of opportunity for Bunts to find himself on the score sheet.
My best bet: Michael Bunting Over 0.5 points (+105 at SIA)
Penguins vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay
Over 5.5 goals
Matthews anytime goalscorer
Maple Leafs team total Over 2.5
For leg one of my same-game parlay, let’s continue to ride the Matthews train and take him to score tonight with an anytime goal bet. He’s sitting at 64 goals with 70 within reach and he’s scored in four straight games. I think he matches Ovi’s career high with goal 65 tonight.
Next up, let's lock in the Over on the Leafs total of 2.5 goals. Toronto averages 3.62 goals per game and has scored three or more in eight of its last 10 games. I’ll like this even more if Alex Nedeljkovic gets the start, as it would be his fifth in eight days. Perhaps some fatigue will start to set in.
For my final leg, I’ll take the Over on the alternate total of 5.5 goals. Four of the last five Pens games have gone Over this number, while the Leafs have gone 6-3 on the Over in their last nine. These two teams also combine for 6.66 goals per game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Penguins vs Maple Leafs moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Maple Leafs are -155 favorites while Pittsburgh comes in as a +130 road dog.
- Toronto has won three of the last four meetings between these teams
- The total is 6.5 with the Over paying -105 and the Under at -115
Penguins vs Maple Leafs betting trend to know
The Maple Leafs have hit the second period Over in 31 of their last 45 games at home. Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Maple Leafs.
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Penguins vs Maple Leafs game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Monday, April 8, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN-Pittsburgh, Sportsnet 1 |
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