For one final time this series, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning will clash. Toronto failed in its attempt to make the second round with a win in Game 6, and they now face elimination themselves. This is where you’ll find everything, including team win odds, the over/under, and point spreads.
Steven Stamkos – Anytime Goalscorer (+155)
Tampa Bay has tons of weapons upfront, but captain Steven Stamkos is a world-beater when it comes to big-game moments. Two years ago, despite being injured, he played one shift in the deciding game and scored a goal. One year later, he was one of the Lightning’s most consistent players, and they’ll need him again tonight. He has a goal in each of his last two games and points in the last three.
If the Lightning can continue utilizing their speed and frustrate the Maple Leafs with a complete game defensively, expect some penalties to start piling up. Tampa Bay is dangerous on the power play and has exuded confidence with their puck movement. If they can get Campbell moving side to side and Stamkos can find open areas to shoot, Toronto’s night may be a long one.
Auston Matthews – Multi-Goal Scorer (+550)
One year ago, Auston Matthews was starved for goals. He couldn’t register much offense against the Montreal Canadiens’ defense, and any efforts around the crease were thwarted by great goaltending. This year is different, as Andrei Vasilevskiy looks human, and Tampa Bay is conceding the blue line too easily for Toronto’s offense to get their chances. Matthews enters tonight with four goals and four assists in six games.
The gams have become tighter, but Matthews appears to be enjoying the physical aspect of the game. He’s great in corners when battling for loose pucks, and he utilizes his frame to separate opposing players from the puck and create some distance. He’s been feisty compared to last year, and he’s always looking to shoot. Tonight is an excellent opportunity for him to register a few goals.
Mitch Marner – Anytime Goalscorer (+170)
When he’s playing in his home rink, Mitch Marner is as dangerous as anyone else on the Maple Leafs. He was quiet on the road, registering no points in the last two games, but he’s amassed points in all games at home this series. Like Matthews, he is also looking to put the demons of previous years’ shortcomings to rest, and he’s appeared on top of his game all series, regardless of points.
In front of a rocking crowd in a Game 7 situation, expect Marner to be extra motivated to get the Maple Leafs crowd to their feet. He’s finding open lanes, and his chemistry with Matthews is through the roof. If the team can stay disciplined and work their speed against Tampa’s defense, they’ll be in good position to take over puck possession. They looked like the better team in the three previous meetings, and Marner has looked especially dangerous around the net.
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
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