Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins
Time: 7:00 p.m Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN4, NESN, TVAS
Tonight marks the final meeting between the Toronto Maple Leafs (35-20–2) and their Original Six rival the Boston Bruins (27-24-7). The home team has won each game so far with Toronto leading the season series 2-1. Boston will look to even the score tonight on home ice.
Maple Leafs Liking Life on The Road
The Maple Leafs returned from the Four Nations Face-Off with back-to-back wins over the weekend against the Carolina Hurricanes, and Chicago Blackhawks. The win against the Hurricanes was the only home game for Toronto all of February. As they travel to Boston the Leafs will be playing their sixth road game this month. The good news is they have won four of the five games on the road so far.
Toronto was lead by their depth scorers over the weekend, but they will look for their offensive stars to get going again tonight in what should be a tight checking game. Matthew Knies has dominated the Bruins this season scoring five goals including a hat trick in the last meeting. The Maple Leafs will look to his line with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews to lead the charge. If the goalie rotation continues, expect Anthony Stolarz to be in net.
Bruins Missing Charlie McAvoy
Fighting for their playoff lives the Bruins received some devastating news when Charlie McAvoy ended up getting injured playing for Team USA at the Four Nations Face-Off. Unfortunately for the Bruins it doesn’t sound like a short term injury. Making matters worse is Hampus Lindholm who has been out since November has now been ruled out for the rest of the regular season. In their absence Mason Lohrei has been taking on more responsibility. Boston will need more defenceman to play well to overcome their injuries.
The Bruins have only played one game since returning from the break. They erased a two goal deficit against the Anaheim Ducks before losing in overtime. With that loss and other results on the weekend Boston is on the outside looking in at a playoff spot. Maybe a game against a regular playoff foe will get them going. If not management has warned that the Bruins could become sellers by the deadline.
Prediction
The Maple Leafs have been on a roll on the road lately. For that to continue they will need to slow down David Pastrnak. He has three goals in the three matchups this year. For the Bruins the biggest question mark is on the backend. With injuries depleting them will they be able to slow down the Leafs star forwards? Jeremy Swayman might have something to say about that as well. These games are usually close so expect nothing less tonight. Maybe home ice is the deciding factor.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-3 in overtime
Prop Bets of The Night
With Knies having so much success against the Bruins this year he seems like a good bet to score. He is +260 as an anytime goal scorer. For Boston, Pastrnak is +125 as an anytime goal scorer. The Bruins are home underdogs on the money line at +110.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Feb.25 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.