Bruins, Maple Leafs Picks, Predictions: Will Toronto, Boston Produce High-Scoring Affair?
Last Updated: November 5, 2022 11:21 AM EDT • 2 min 13 sec read.
It’s a classic Hockey Night in Canada matchup as the Boston Bruins head to Toronto to take on their division rivals in the Maple Leafs. Here are our Bruins-Maple Leafs picks.
The Bruins are the NHL's hottest team while standing tall atop the league at 10-1-0. Even with injuries keeping them from their peak potential with such a strong roster, Boston hasn't been showing many weaknesses.
Meanwhile, the Leafs have been mediocre so far. They’re 5-3-2 with an offense that’s yet to find its spark. John Tavares currently leads Toronto in goals (seven) and points (14).
Here are my NHL picks and predictions for Saturday night’s Bruins-Maple Leafs game (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM, and DraftKings Sportsbook; Pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5 scale).
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Bruins vs. Maple Leafs Info
Date: Saturday Nov. 5, 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: NESN, NHL Network
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs Odds
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs Odds Analysis
The Maple Leafs are the Moneyline favorites, ranging from -130 to -134. Both cash and tickets have come in favor of the Bruins, with Boston getting 66% of the cash and 70% of tickets.
The total is set at 6.5 at all major sportsbooks. The Under is attracting 78% of the cash, while the Over is getting 88% of the tickets.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs Picks
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs ML Pick
Bruins (+112) ★★★
Yet again despite being the league's top team, the Bruins are the underdogs in this matchup. While the atmosphere in the Bruins' locker room isn’t exactly what it was just a couple of days ago due to front-office issues, they’re still worth taking at plus money.
The Bruins boast the top-ranked offense in goals scored per game at 4.46. They've netted at least five goals in seven of their 11 games.
Their goaltending tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman ranks fourth in the league. And Ullmark will be getting the start on Saturday with Swayman injured. Ullmark is 8-0-0 with a 2.17 goals against average and .929% save percentage.
For the Leafs, Auston Matthews is off to a slow start after his record-setting season in 2021-22. Matthews has registered just four goals and seven points. Tavares has been the spark plug for Toronto.
The club's goaltending continues to be inconsistent. Ilya Samsonov will start against Boston, and he's 5-2-0 with a 2.30 GAA and .920 SV%. This Bruins team will be a tough test for him.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs O/U Pick
Over 6.5 goals (-115) ★★★★
It's often a high-scoring affair when the Bruins and Maple Leafs clash. Anticipate much of the same on Saturday, even with the Leafs' offense struggling.
Whenever these two teams meet there’s always some extra drama given the rivalry and excitement. Ullmark has been great for the Bruins despite one dud game with five goals allowed (though he still won), but Toronto's offense still boasts the weapons to break out at any moment
Also, Boston's offense has been hot lately, and the Bruins could cash the Over themselves.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs Prop Pick
Bergeron Over 0.5 assists (+140) ★★★
Bergeron has already notched 10 points in 2022-23 (four goals and six assists). He’s the NHL's best two-way forward, and the veteran is both a scoring and playmaking threat.
Alongside top linemate Brad Marchand, I anticipate Bergeron recording an assist or two. Marchand loves to score on the Leafs, and Bergeron enjoys setting up his linemate.
Where to Bet on Bruins-Maple Leafs Picks
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Bruins-Maple Leafs picks made 11/5/2022 at 1:33 p.m. ET
Sarah Griffin