Maple Leafs vs Lightning Game 5 Prediction NHL Playoffs 4/27

© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Lightning vs Maple Leafs (Apr 27, 2023) Pregame

In the first round of the NHL Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, April 27, at 7 p.m. EDT. With a 3-1 lead in the series, the Maple Leafs will look to secure their spot in the next round against the Lightning. Both teams have faced off against each other eight times this season, with the Maple Leafs winning the last matchup 5-4 in overtime. According to NHL picks experts, the Maple Leafs are favored to win with odds set at -157, while the Lightning have odds of +134. The over/under is set at 6.5. NHL picks computer predictions and NHL picks EM predictions show that the Maple Leafs have a stronger chance of winning this game, but as we know, anything can happen in the playoffs. NHL today experts and NHL experts picks today are keeping a close eye on this game, with many making their best NHL bets today. NHL picks with spread and NHL picks odds are also being considered by NHL fans and experts alike. Some are even considering NHL picks and parlays for this game. With both teams having top performers, it will be a battle to see who comes out on top. For the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews and John Tavares have been particularly impressive. For the Lightning, Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point have been leading the charge. NHL predictions today show that it could be a high-scoring game, with both teams averaging more than three goals per game. Injuries could also have an impact on the outcome of this game, with Victor Mete and Jake Muzzin out for the Maple Leafs and Erik Cernak and Mikey Eyssimont listed as day-to-day for the Lightning. All eyes will be on this game as the Maple Leafs and Lightning battle it out for a spot in the next round of the NHL Playoffs.

Lightning: Offensive Analysis

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a disappointing series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, finding themselves down 3-1 as they head into Game 5. Their offense has been inconsistent at best, and they'll need to step up if they hope to stay alive in this series. One of the keys to the Lightning's offense is their ability to score on the power play. However, they've struggled in that department in this series, only converting on three of their 15 power play opportunities. They'll need to improve on that if they hope to keep up with the high-scoring Maple Leafs. Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point have been the Lightning's best offensive players for most of the season, and they'll need to continue to produce in order to keep their season alive. Stamkos has scored 33 goals and added 51 assists, while Point has six goals and seven assists in his past 10 games. However, the Lightning will need more production from their supporting cast if they hope to make a comeback. Players like Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson have been held off the scoresheet for most of the series, and they'll need to step up in a big way in Game 5. The Maple Leafs have been one of the best offensive teams in the league this season, and they've continued to score at a high rate in this series. If the Lightning hope to keep up, they'll need to play a more aggressive offensive game and take advantage of the few scoring chances they get. Ultimately, the Lightning's offensive struggles have put them in a tough spot in this series. While they certainly have the talent to make a comeback, they'll need to put together a complete offensive performance in Game 5 if they hope to extend this series any further.

Lightning: Defensive Analysis

The Tampa Bay Lightning will need to step up their defensive game if they hope to avoid elimination in game five against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With a 3-1 series lead, the Maple Leafs have been dominant in their offensive play, scoring an average of 3.2 goals per game against the Lightning. The Lightning will need to focus on preventing the Maple Leafs from getting too many shots on goal and creating turnovers in the neutral zone. The Lightning's penalty kill has been one of their strengths this season, ranking third in the league with an 82.2% success rate. However, they are averaging 12.1 penalty minutes per game, which is the third highest in the league. If they continue to take unnecessary penalties, it will make it easier for the Maple Leafs to score and put the pressure on the Lightning's defense. Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point have been top performers for the Lightning this season, but they will need more support from the rest of the team to improve their defensive play. The Lightning will also need their goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, to have a strong performance and make crucial saves to keep them in the game. In conclusion, the Lightning's defense will need to tighten up in game five to prevent the Maple Leafs from continuing their offensive dominance. They will need to limit their penalties, focus on preventing turnovers, and have a strong performance from their goaltender. With the help of their defense, the Lightning can still make a comeback and avoid elimination in the first round of the playoffs.

Maple Leafs: Offense Analysis

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a 3-1 lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL playoffs first round series, and their offense has played a major role in their success so far. With a 278 total goals scored, they rank ninth in the league, and their top performers have been outstanding. Auston Matthews has been a scoring machine for the Maple Leafs, with 40 goals and 45 assists. He has been supported by John Tavares, who has six goals and two assists over the last 10 games. In their previous matchup against the Lightning, Matthews scored two goals in their overtime win. The Lightning's offense has been struggling, and they have a 3-5-2 record in their last 10 games. Steven Stamkos has scored 33 goals with 51 assists, but he has not been able to carry the team on his own. Brayden Point has been the only other player to step up recently, with six goals and seven assists in the past 10 games. When it comes to NHL picks, experts, computer predictions, and NHL odds, the Maple Leafs are the favorites for this game, with a -157 moneyline. The over/under is set at 6.5, indicating that there is likely to be some scoring in this game. Overall, the Maple Leafs offense has been impressive, and they will look to continue their success against a struggling Lightning team in this crucial playoff matchup. This game could be a great opportunity for NHL picks and parlays, as the Maple Leafs are in a strong position to advance in the playoffs.

Maple Leafs: Defensive Analysis

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the NHL Playoffs, their defense will be crucial to maintaining their 3-1 series lead. The Leafs have gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, averaging just 2.7 goals against per game. The top performers on defense for the Leafs include Morgan Rielly and TJ Brodie, who have played a significant role in shutting down the Lightning's offense. Rielly has 33 points on the season with a +23 plus/minus rating, while Brodie has 24 points and a +21 rating. In addition, the Leafs have a strong penalty kill, which will be important against a Lightning team that ranks third in the league in power play percentage. The Leafs boast an 83% penalty kill, which ranks fifth in the league. While the Lightning have some dangerous offensive weapons, including Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point, the Leafs' strong defensive play has limited their impact in the series so far. The Leafs also have a significant advantage in goaltending with Jack Campbell, who has a 2.16 GAA and a .931 save percentage in the playoffs. Overall, the Leafs' defensive performance in this game will be crucial to securing their spot in the second round of the playoffs. NHL picks experts and NHL picks computer predictions may favor the Leafs given their strong defensive record, and NHL picks and parlay options may include the Leafs' spread or odds. The best NHL bets today may also lean towards the Leafs given their current momentum and 3-1 series lead.

Injury Report

As the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Tampa Bay Lightning for the first round of the NHL Playoffs with a 3-1 series lead, both teams are dealing with a few injuries to their players. For the Maple Leafs, defensemen Victor Mete and Jake Muzzin are out for the season with lower body and spine injuries, respectively. Forward Nicholas Robertson is also out for the season due to a shoulder injury, while Erik Gustafsson and Matt Murray are day to day with upper body and head injuries, respectively. Forward Bobby McMann is out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, the Lightning's Erik Cernak is day to day with an upper body injury, while Mikey Eyssimont is also day to day with a head injury. These injuries could impact the strategies of both teams and affect the outcome of the game. NHL picks experts and computer systems, as well as NHL picks em predictions, will take these injuries into account when making their NHL today experts picks, nhl picks and parlay, nhl experts picks today, best nhl bets today, nhl picks with spread, nhl predictions today, nhl picks for today, and nhl picks and parlays. Furthermore, the nhl picks odds for this game may also be affected by the injury report.

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