The Tampa Bay Lightning begin their quest for a third straight championship title in an unfamiliar position; as the underdogs in the first round of the playoffs. They’ll be taking on the star-studded Toronto Maple Leafs, who are looking to end their six-decade Stanley Cup drought. Both teams enter the postseason hot, but which side has the edge?

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out some slick assists to get bets into the back of the net. This time, let’s break down the upcoming 2022 Stanley Cup PLayoffs matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to be on the lookout for updated NHL odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook before placing your bets.

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 1 Information

• When: Monday, May 2, 2022, 7:30 PM ET
• Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
• TV: ESPN2, CBC, SN, TVAS, BSSUN
• Radio: 970 WFLA (Lightning) // TSN Radio 1050 (Maple Leafs)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Lightning (+105) / Maple Leafs(-123)

READ MORE: Bruins vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds and Preview – May 2nd, 2022

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning?

With five wins in their last six games, the Tampa Bay Lightning have geared up rather nicely just in time for their next Stanley Cup Playoff run. Their first obstacle is the Toronto Maple Leafs who, despite the two teams being perennial playoff contenders, will face each other in the postseason for the very first time.

The last meeting between the Lightning and the Maple Leafs went to the former on April 21, with Tampa Bay cruising to a 8-1 blowout. However, it’s worth noting that Toronto did not have top superstar Auston Matthews and elite goaltender Jake Campbell for that contest. Nevertheless, the Bolts won two of their four meetings against the Leafs, with one of their two defeats coming in overtime.

Steven Stamkos will be the man under the spotlight for Tampa Bay in the series. Stamkos record his 10th hat trick of the season in the regular-season finale against the Islanders, setting a new franchise record and finishing the regular season with 106 points. The seven-time All-Star finished the month of April with a whopping 33 points, including 26 points over his last nine starts.

Why Bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Five consecutive playoff appearances have led to five straight first-round exits for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have underwhelmed in the postseason despite the talent they bring to the table year in and year out. In fact, Toronto has not won a first-round playoff series since 2004.

Still, the Maple Leafs’ 115 points from the regular season is their best season output over the past half-decade, and have won three straight entering the playoffs as well. Auston Matthews captured back-to-back Rocket Richard trophies after finishing the regular season with 60 goals; the most by an NHL player since the aforementioned Stamkos hit the 60 mark in the 2011-12 campaign.

Although the Leafs were humbled by the Lightning the last time out, an earlier meeting between the two on April 2 was a different story. Toronto routed Tampa Bay, 6-2, and that was with the Leafs in full force with Matthews on the attack and Jake Campbell (2.6 GAA, 91.4 SV%) manning the pipes.

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Betting Trends

• As mentioned earlier, the Lightning went 2-1-1 against Toronto in the regular season.
• The Bolts are 4-5 in the last nine road games.
• The totals went over in four of Tampa Bay’s last five games on the road.
• The Maple Leafs are 11-1 in the last 12 home games.
• The Leafs are 11-2 in the last 13 outings as favorites.
• The totals ent wover in each of the last three meetings between Toronto and Tampa Bay.

Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Expert Betting Predictions

The last two meetings between the Lightning and the Maple Leafs have been lopsided affairs, but Game 1 should be a tighter contest with the aura of the postseason at hand. Both sides enter the first round of the playoffs with about the same momentum as one another, making the opening clash on Monday a 50-50 toss-up that is bound to be a high-scoring contest.

Feel free to browse sports betting guides. While you are at it, go ahead and check out all the latest NHL betting odds and more in our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.