The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are two of the most star-laden teams in the NHL, which means there are no shortage of bettable props to take in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
The Maple Leafs are led by Hart Trophy favorite Auston Matthews, who is coming off the NHL’s first 60-goal season since Steven Stamkos scored that many in 2011-12. But Matthews has star-caliber teammates like linemate Mitch Marner, Maple Leafs No. 2 center John Tavares, and wing William Nylander, each of whom surpassed 75 points during the regular season.
The Lightning are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions and are also led by star-caliber players like Stamkos (42 goals, 106 points), 2019 Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov (25 goals, 69 points in 47 games), perennial Norris Trophy candidate Victor Hedman (85 points in 82 games), who are three of the Lightning’s six 20-goal scorers during the regular season.
All NHL playoff odds are current as of Monday, May 2, at 12 p.m. ET, courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Maple Leafs vs Lightning Player Props Game 1
Steven Stamkos anytime goal (+165)
Wager: 1 unit
The Markham, Ontario native had a quietly resurgent year, with 42 goals and 106 points — the same as Matthews — leading all Tampa Bay players. He has 22 goals and 58 points in 45 career games against the Maple Leafs, which means he’ll probably put up a point in Game 1 on Monday. He’s a sniper, so if Stamkos puts up a point, it’ll probably be a goal.
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Victor Hedman Over 0.5 power-play points (+120)
WAGER: 0.5 units
Hedman is the power-play quarterback and feeds Stamkos and Kucherov for one-timers at the top of each circle. It’s safe to think Tampa Bay will score on the power play in Game 1. If it does, it’s almost guaranteed that Hedman will have an assist.
Auston Matthews Over 4.5 shots on goal (-105)
Wager: 1 unit
Matthews led the NHL with 348 shots in just 73 games, an average of more than 4.7 per game. We expect him to be very active, despite Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper’s inevitable plan to neutralize him and Toronto’s top line. Matthews anytime goal is -111, but five-plus shots on goal is better odds, seems very likely, and is our NHL bet of the day.
Maple Leafs vs Lightning Props Game 1
Race to Three Goals: Lightning (+129)
Wager: 1 unit
Full disclosure, I think the Lightning are going to win. If they do, it’s safe to think they’ll be the first to score three goals.
First-period result and 2 or more goals: Draw, Yes (+400)
WAGER: 0.5 units
Can’t you see a 1-1 tie after one period? So can I. That would hit at +400, which are favorable odds.
