Game 5 in the first-round series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning was the best of the lot by far, as the Leafs escaped with a narrow victory for the first game of the series that was decided by one goal. Toronto is now on the cusp of sending the defending champions packing, but the Lightning will have the benefit of home-ice advantage for Game 6’s elimination contest.

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 Game 6 matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning, along with the latest NHL odds and information about the teams and players involved.

Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 6 Information

• When: Tuesday, May 12, 2022, 7:30 PM ET
• Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
• TV: TBS, CBC, SN, TVAS, BSSUN
• Radio: TSN Radio 1050 (Maple Leafs) // 970 WFLA (Lightning)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Maple Leafs (+117) / Lightning (-137))

READ MORE: Wild vs. Blues Game 6 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds and Preview – May 12th, 2022

Why Bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The wealth of talent on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ squad was in full display during their 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. In turn, Toronto is one win away from winning a postseason series after five straight seasons of early eliminations.

John Tavares, Morgan Reilly, and William Nylander each scored a goal for the Leafs, but it was none other than Auston Matthews who scored the most pivotal goal of Game 5. Matthews, a five-time All-Star and this season’s Ricket Richard Trophy awardee, scored the go-ahead goal with a little over six minutes left in the contest.

The Maple Leafs have scored no fewer than three goals in each of the five games of the series to keep pace with the Lightning’s own explosive offense. However, goalie Jake Campbell (32 saves) needs more help from Toronto’s blue line as he’s seen at least 34 shots from Tampa Bay in three of his last four starts, with the lone exception being his terrible outing in Game 4 having ceded five goals in a period-and-a-half’s time of action.

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning?

For a moment there, it appeared as though the Tampa Bay Lightning were about to cruise to a victory in Game 5. But that was until the Maple Leafs caught fire and took the lead on two separate occasions in the third period.

Tampa Bay got two early goals from stars Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman in the opening period. Ryan McDonagh evened things up at three goals apiece eight minutes into the final period before allowing Matthews’ eventual game-winner. Similar to the Leafs, the Lightning’s offense is still clicking, as they’re averaging 3.4 goals per game and that’s also despite Game 1’s shutout loss.

The similarities between these two Eastern Conference heavyweights don’t end on offense, as perhaps the biggest concern for the Bolts is the sudden slump that former Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy is in. Vasilevskiy’s 18 goals allowed is the second-most amongst all goaltenders this postseason, and his .880 save percentage is a far cry from his respectable mark of .916 from the regular season.

Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Betting Trends

• The Maple Leafs are 4-4 in their last eight road games.
• Toronto is 5-4 against Tampa Bay this season, with both teams alternating wins and losses the entire way.
• The totals went over in nine of Toronto’s last 11 games on the road.
• The Lightning are 6-2 in their last eight home games.
• Tampa Bay is 7-3 over their last 10 games as favorites to win.
• The totals went over in seven of Tampa’s last eight homestands.

Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Expert Betting Predictions

Expect Game 6 to be another high-scoring affair that could go either way. The Maple Leafs have momentum in their favor, but the Lightning are much better at home and have yet to see a power outing on offense since Game 1. Not to mention that Toronto has yet to prove itself in the postseason considering their bouts with series collapses in the recent past.

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.

READ MORE: When Was the Last Time the Toronto Maple Leafs Won the Stanley Cup?