Face-off: 1930 ET, 17/04/2022
Arena: Scotiabank Arena
Toronto look determined to head into the playoffs with plenty of momentum behind them and are taken to see off the New York Islanders.
The Maple Leafs have beaten the same opponents twice on the road this season and can now confirm their superiority at Scotiabank Arena.
Let’s kick off our Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders predictions by taking 1.8 for a home win in regular time.
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Toronto Maple Leafs Odds
Toronto improved their current hot streak to 9-1-1 with last night’s 5-4 overtime victory at Ottawa, recovering from falling behind 2-0 and 3-1.
Mitchell Marner scored twice, while recent recruit Mark Giordano provided a couple of assists and netted the decider.
Giordano has settled in quickly since acquired from Seattle and should continue to prove his worth during the post-season.
“Those are big goals,” said coach Sheldon Keefe. “They’re the type of goals that get the team to really rally and celebrate.”
Forward Michael Bunting added: “I think he’s a huge part of our team. He’s a veteran and he came in and had that veteran presence right away.
“He was the captain for a very long time in Calgary and then the captain in Seattle. He carries himself like that.”
The Maple Leafs are closing in on clinching second place in the Atlantic Division and all the pieces are in place for success in the playoffs.
Looking at the NHL odds for this game, we like 6.75 for the hosts to oblige by exactly two goals.
New York Islanders Odds
The Islanders are out of contention for a wild card spot but deserve plenty of credit for the way they are finishing off the campaign.
Friday’s 3-0 triumph at Montreal made it seven wins out of 10, with all the goals coming in the third period.
Forward Josh Bailey dedicated that victory to franchise great Mike Bossy, who died of cancer at the age of 65 the same day.
“Mike was a class act,” said Bailey. “He meant a lot to our community in Long Island and did a lot of good things on and off the ice.”
In terms of the overall performance, though, Ilya Sorokin had to make 44 saves in a game the Canadiens controlled for long periods.
The Islanders are playing well enough to have their moments, but this will be a tough test on all known form.
We’re adding 3.1 for a home win in regular time and both teams to score at least twice to our NHL predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
Ottawa 4-5 TORONTO (OT)
Montreal 0-3 NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Season head-to-head: NY Islanders 1-3 Toronto, NY Islanders 0-3 Toronto
