Toronto Maple Leafs (46-24-10) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (44-28-8)
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 4/17/24 – The Toronto Maple Leafs head to Amalie Arena to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in an eagerly awaited NHL regular-season clash this Wednesday, April 17, 2024. As the season advances, both teams are vying for playoff positioning, with Toronto holding a slight edge in their record. However, recent forms could be a concern as per handicapper top reviews, especially for Toronto who hasn’t secured a win in their last five outings. The game kicks off at 7:00 PM ET, promising a thrilling encounter broadcasted on ESPN+.
The Maple Leafs, with their very good season record, are in a difficult position, as they have been weakening offensively lately. The backbone of the Maple Leafs’ offense is still star center Auston Mathews with 69 goals and 107 points, supported by a combination of William Nylander and Mitch Marner who have proven game in and game out that they can contribute to the team’s scoring depth. Nevertheless, their recent exploits have only resulted in draws, arousing doubt about Tampa Bay’s steady defense led by goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who might deliver that extra bit that the Lightning need in order to prevail at home.
On the flip side, the Tampa Bay Lightning demonstrate more consistent performance with a 3-2 win in their last five games. Nikita Kucherov tops their offensive line with an impressive 141 points, 43 goals, and 98 assists combined. Together, with Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos, this trio causes a huge problem for the defense. It will put pressure on the Maple Leafs for sure. For Toronto to win the game, its defense will have to play with a lot of intensity to counter Tampa’s attack play.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 4/17/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Amalie Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Ilya Samsonov vs. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy
The Maple Leafs’ netminder Ilya Samsonov, who struggled through the season with a 3.13 GAA, will have a difficult task keeping the high-scoring Lightning from scoring. His recent play has shown signs of weakness, especially in shootout situations where his save percentage goes down. That may be the essential point considering Tampa’s efficiency in scoring goals.
On the contrary, Andrei Vasilevskiy still is the foundation stone for the Lightning. He has been a major contributor to Tampa’s success in close games, his ability to shut down Toronto’s leading scorers might just be the make and break factor. The fight between these two goalies will be the center of the game’s result.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With the current betting odds still to be determined, it’s crucial to monitor how the lines set closer to game time, especially considering Toronto’s recent downswing and Tampa’s home advantage.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Trends
Toronto have had in their last 5 games by failing to win in any of the games and against their spread is astounding to the fans. The stretch has involved their opponents having a good field day, enjoying winning on trips away from home and having the last laugh over their game totals, five under in their last five encounters.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Trends
The Lightning are going by another scenario, seeing the wins above .500 since their last games and against the line spread. That home teams defeating over in their match totals indicates that this market could attract bettors searching for a total play, factoring Toronto’s defensive inadequacies.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 4/17/24 Betting Picks
The way these teams have been playing and the latest forms have brought about foremarket soccer betting challenges. Although the red hot play of Tampa Bay resounds in their recent home results and their offensive strength, the coaches of Toronto need not to let their desperation to end their losing streak and to take home a victory stop them from giving in a blazing or glorious play in this game.
The forecast favors betting on Tampa Bay, specifically when the odds are slightly higher for this team due to Toronto’s struggle. The prop bets on for more than total goals might include both teams attacking ability by considering the offensive strength of both teams. Hockey cost-free picks often suggest looking at trends, and Tampa’s home record combined with Toronto’s road woes provides a calculated risk worth taking.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 2.