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Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins - NHL Best Bet of the Day

Joe Williams
Sportsbook Wire

The Western Conference Quarterfinals series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins continues for Game 2 in Beantown. The Leafs surprised the B's in the series opener Thursday night, covering as moderate underdogs in the 4-1 win as the 'under' connected.

Odds provided by FanDuel; for a full-set of today's sports betting odds, access them at USA TODAY Sports.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins: By the Numbers

  • Goaltender Frederik Andersen was horrific in two starts against the B's during the regular season, going 1-1-0 with a 4.52 goals-against average and .882 save percentage in two outings. However, he stopped 37 of the 38 shots he faced in Game 1.
  • Goaltender Tuukka Rask won his only regular-season start against the Leafs, but he coughed up three goals on 32 shots in the home setback Thursday.
  • The Maple Leafs scored two unassisted goals in Game 1, including a shorthanded goal by Mitchell Marner in the second period which stood up as the game-winning tally. He finished with two goals.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins: Projected Goalie Starters

Apr 11, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) makes a save in front of Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Frederik Andersen vs. Tuukka Rask

Despite his Game 1 victory, the Leafs are just 1-4 in the past five meetings and 2-6 in the past eight road games in Boston. The win was also uncharacteristic for Andersen, as he sported a 3.76 GAA and .896 save percentage in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals last season against the B's.

The Bruins went with a goaltender rotation, using Rask and Jaroslav Halak on a revolving basis during the regular season. Rask is the projected Game 2 starter, but he might have a rather short leash if he doesn't get off to a good start.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins: NHL Best Bet

Moneyline: The Leafs ( +120) did their job, already assuring themselves of at least a split in Beantown, while wrestling home-ice advantage from the B's ( -140). Despite their opening-game win, the Leafs are still just 1-4 in the past five meetings, and 2-6 in the past eight trips to Boston. The home team has cashed in 10 of the past 14, and Boston is a solid bet to bounce back.

Against the spread: The Maple Leafs ( +1.5, -230) aren't a good play, as there is just too much risk. I never like puck line underdogs, as empty-net goals late can be a killer. The Bruins (- 1.5, +190) are a good value to rebound in a big way in Game 2.

Over/under: The OVER 6 is 3-1-1 in the past five meetings, and 4-1-2 in the past seven trips to Beantown. However, the under is 5-2 in Toronto's past seven road outings, and 4-1 in the past five as an underdog, including Game 1's result. Look for the Bruins to open the floodgates on offense and for the over to connect Saturday night.

Follow Joe on Twitter @JoeWilliamsVI

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