To begin with, nobody argues that the Maple Leafs are the best team in the North Division. Toronto is loaded with speed and skill. But the lingering question about the Leafs is defense, goaltending, and heart. So far, Toronto has held its own in all facets of the game. Captain John Tavares was lost for the series after an accidental injury. But that incident seems to have galvanized the Maple Leafs. Montreal was seen as the one team that could upset Toronto with the NHL betting odds. But the Canadiens metrics have caught up with them.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Thursday, May 27, 2021, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario |
| Canadiens at Maple Leafs TV Coverage: | NBCSN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadiens | +1½ (-115) | 5½ (+110) | +205 |  |
| Maple Leafs | -1½ (-105) | 5½ (-130) | -245 | |
| ||||
Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs SBG Odds Overview
On this occasion, the Canadiens will get the vastly superior sports betting odds. Toronto carries overwhelming public support. Especially at home. Oddsmakers will sweeten the pot on the Habs.
Montreal Canadiens Team Overview
Of great concern is that Montreal lost seven of their most recent eight games. Five of the Canadiens’ last eight games cleared the total. Montreal went 24-21-11 and 24-29 in the regular season. In sum, NHL metrics show the Canadiens 17th for goal scoring and 17th for the power play. Defensively, the Habs were 19th for goals against and 24th for penalty killing.
Goaltender Carey Price must carry the Montreal load for the upset. Thus far, Price has a .929 save percentage in the playoffs. Price is dominant enough to get in the heads of opposing teams. Of major concern is the Canadiens’ lack of goal scoring in this series.
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Overview
Toronto got the cash in nine of their last 13 games. Only four of their most recent 12 games cleared the total. Overall, in the regular season, Toronto was 35-14-7 and 24-28 under the total. NHL metrics show the Maple Leafs for goal scoring and 16th for power-play efficiency. While defensively, Toronto was 8th for goals against and 25th for penalty killing.
Namely, goaltender Jack Campbell is maintaining his dominance. Campbell opened the playoffs with a .951 save percentage. He was at .921 in the regular season. On the whole, Campbell is the surprise player of the season for the Maple Leafs. Center William Nylander jumped out with three playoff goals.
Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Trends
- Montreal has paid in nine of their most recent 12 away games
- Five of the Canadiens last six away games cleared the total
- Toronto got the cash in nine of their most recent 13 home ice matchups
- Only two of the Maple Leafs’ last six home games cleared the total
- Toronto is 7-3 in their latest ten games with Montreal
- Only two of the last nine between the Leafs and Habs went over the total
- Toronto is 4-1 in their previous five home games with Montreal
- Four of the previous six in this series at Toronto stayed under the number
Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Carey Price and favorable NHL betting odds make Montreal a strong value play. Toronto will be too expensive at home. Accordingly, the Canadiens are capable of the upset.
Canadiens at Maple Leafs SBG Best Bet: Montreal Canadiens.