Maple Leafs vs Lightning Game 2 Prediction NHL Playoffs 4/20

Game Preview: Lightning vs Maple Leafs (Apr 20, 2023) Pregame

The NHL playoffs have begun, and the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off in game two of their first-round series. The Lightning have taken an early 1-0 lead in the series, and the Maple Leafs will be looking to bounce back and even things up. NHL picks experts and NHL picks computer predictions have been mixed about who will come out on top in this matchup. However, many NHL today experts have given their best NHL bets today and have predicted that the Lightning will continue their winning ways. The Lightning have a strong record and are 46-30-6 overall, while the Maple Leafs have a 50-21-11 record. NHL picks and parlay options have been suggested for this game, with many NHL experts picks today indicating that the Lightning have a good chance of winning with a favorable spread.

Lightning: Offensive Analysis

The Tampa Bay Lightning come into Game 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 1-0 series lead. The Lightning showcased their offensive prowess in the previous matchup, winning 7-3, with Brayden Point leading the way with two goals. The team has a record of 46-30-6 overall and 13-13-1 against the Atlantic Division. Steven Stamkos has been vital to Tampa Bay's offensive success this season, with 33 goals and 51 assists. Meanwhile, Point has eight goals and six assists over the past 10 games. The Lightning have a 46-10-5 record when scoring at least three goals, indicating that their offense is a major factor in their victories. However, the Lightning's performance in their last 10 games has been inconsistent, with a record of 5-5-0. They have averaged 3.8 goals and 6.4 assists, but have also given up 2.8 goals per game. Their penalty minutes have also been high, averaging 15.7 per game. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, have been performing well in their last 10 games, with a record of 6-2-2. They have been averaging 3.1 goals and 4.7 assists per game, while giving up only 2.5 goals. It is important to note that the Lightning's defensive play will have to be just as strong as their offense to keep the Maple Leafs at bay. Injury-wise, the Lightning have Erik Cernak, Mikey Eyssimont, Tanner Jeannot, and Victor Hedman listed as day-to-day. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have Victor Mete, Nicholas Robertson, Erik Gustafsson, Matt Murray, Bobby McMann, and Jake Muzzin listed as out due to various injuries. In summary, the Lightning's offense is a major key to their success, but they will need to tighten up their defense while keeping their penalty minutes low to maintain their lead against a strong Maple Leafs team. NHL picks experts and NHL picks computer models may favor the Lightning, but they will have to bring their A-game to come out on top in this matchup.

Lightning: Defensive Analysis

The Tampa Bay Lightning took a 1-0 series lead into game 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the game approaches, the Lightning's defensive strategy will be critical in maintaining their lead in the series. The Lightning's defense has been one of the strongest in the NHL this season, allowing only 199 goals and holding a +45 scoring differential. They have been able to hold their opponents to an average of 2.8 goals per game, a statistic that places them 6th in the NHL in fewest goals allowed. Tampa Bay boasts a deep roster of defensive talent, anchored by Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Victor Hedman. Hedman's day-to-day absence may be a concern, but the Lightning still have a solid defensive lineup with players such as Erik Cernak and Ryan McDonagh, who have both shown exceptional defensive play throughout the regular season. Additionally, the Lightning's penalty kill has been outstanding, with an 83.7% success rate. This proficiency in killing off penalties has been a factor in their success over the regular season, as well as their win in the first game of this series. Overall, the Lightning's defensive strategy has been a key component of their success this season. With a strong lineup and proficient penalty kill, they have the tools to hold off the Maple Leafs and maintain their lead in the series. NHL picks experts and computer predictions may see the Lightning as the favorites in this game, with the potential for nhl picks and parlay or other betting options. Nonetheless, the Lightning's defensive efforts will be vital in securing a win in this crucial second game.

Maple Leafs: Offense Analysis

In game 1 of the NHL Playoffs first round, the Tampa Bay Lightning dominated the Maple Leafs with a 7-3 victory. The Maple Leafs will need to improve their offense if they hope to tie the series in game 2. NHL picks experts and NHL picks computer predictions favor the Lightning in the upcoming game. The Maple Leafs' offense performed well during the regular season, scoring 278 goals for a +58 scoring differential. However, in their last 10 games, they have been averaging only 3.1 goals per game. Their top performer, William Nylander, has scored an impressive 40 goals with 47 assists during the season, but he needs better support from his teammates in order to overcome the Lightning's defense. On the other hand, the Lightning's offense has been averaging 3.8 goals per game in their last 10 games. Their top performers, Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point, have scored a combined 41 goals and 57 assists during the season. They will be a major threat to the Maple Leafs in game 2. NHL experts picks today and NHL picks odds also favor the Lightning to win game 2. The Maple Leafs will need to improve their offensive game and find ways to score more goals if they hope to tie the series. NHL picks and parlays suggest that it won't be an easy task, but the Maple Leafs will have to give their all to avoid falling behind 2-0 in the series.

Maple Leafs: Defensive Analysis

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bounce back after suffering a 7-3 loss in their previous matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the Lightning taking a 1-0 series lead, the Maple Leafs will need to focus on their defensive strategy to even the series. Let's take a look at their defensive analysis for the upcoming game. The Maple Leafs have given up 220 goals this season, which is a concern considering they will be facing one of the top offenses in the league in the Lightning. However, the Maple Leafs do have a +58 scoring differential, which indicates that their defense is capable of holding off their opponents. Toronto needs to focus on their penalty kill, as the Lightning have one of the best power-play units in the league. The Maple Leafs have a penalty kill percentage of 80.8%, which is middle of the pack in the NHL. They will need to tighten up their penalty kill if they want to prevent the Lightning from taking advantage of their power plays. In terms of goaltending, Frederik Andersen will need to step up his game after allowing seven goals in the previous matchup. Andersen has a save percentage of .915 this season and has been a consistent player for the Maple Leafs. However, he will need to be at his best against an aggressive Lightning offense. Overall, the Maple Leafs defense has the potential to hold off the Lightning's offense, but they will need to play their absolute best to even the series. The Maple Leafs are the underdogs in this matchup according to NHL picks experts and computer predictions, but with their defensive potential and leadership, they could pull off a surprise victory.

Injury Report

As the Tampa Bay Lightning take a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, both teams have players on their injury reports. For the Maple Leafs, Victor Mete is out with a lower-body injury, while Nicholas Robertson is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Erik Gustafsson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, Matt Murray is day-to-day with a head injury, Bobby McMann is out with a knee injury, and Jake Muzzin is out for the season with a spine injury. Meanwhile, the Lightning have Erik Cernak listed as day-to-day with a head injury, while Mikey Eyssimont and Tanner Jeannot are also day-to-day with head and lower-body injuries respectively. Victor Hedman is also listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. While injuries can have a significant impact on a team's performance, both the Maple Leafs and Lightning have deep rosters and will be looking to overcome any obstacles as they battle for a spot in the next round of the NHL playoffs. 

Prediction

The Tampa Bay Lightning will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs for game two of the NHL Playoff First Round, and the game results are critical for both teams. The Lightning currently lead the series 1-0, and they'll look to extend their lead, while the Maple Leafs will fight hard to tie the series before returning to Tampa for game three. Considering the Maple Leafs' impressive overall record, we need to give them an edge in this game. Although the Lightning has shown some solid performances throughout the season, the Maple Leafs are a tough competitor to beat, especially when playing at home so it's hard to believe they'll lose again in Toronto. This isn't to say the Lightning won't give them a challenge, but ultimately we predict the Maple Leafs will win the game lead by Auston Matthews and William Nylander's impressive performances.

Pick: Maple Leafs (Moneyline)