The Maple Leafs jumped out to a 3-0 series lead but have dropped back-to-back games, causing their fans to lose their minds––a tradition like no other. Toronto now has to travel to Ottawa tonight for Game 6 after being shut out on home ice in Game 5. The Senators are -120 Moneyline favorites and the game total is set at O/U 5.5 goals on DraftKings Sportsbook. The goaltender matchup is Linus Ullmark vs. Anthony Stolarz.
See below for a preview and best bet for tonight’s Game 6 matchup between the Senators and Maple Leafs.
Senators vs. Maple Leafs Game 6 preview, prediction
211 teams have faced a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series in NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs history. Only four of those teams overcame it. Those aren’t good odds… unless the opponent is Toronto. We are all aware of the Leafs’ abysmal postseason track record and it is beginning to show after losing 4-0 in Game 5. Toronto out-shot Ottawa, 29 to 19, but lacked its usual offensive excellence and couldn’t get past Ullmark, who finished with 3.07 goals saved above expected.
Odds are stacked against the Leafs but it’s worth noting that Games 3 and 4 in Ottawa went into overtime. They split those two games with the Senators and could feel less of this historic pressure when playing on the road. Toronto ranks first in 5v5 goal percentage this postseason but its usual elite power play unit has gone 0-for-7 on power play opportunities in the past two games. Ottawa ranks last in 5v5 goal percentage and its special teams have struggled to stay consistent. The goaltending on both sides has been mediocre overall, too, so something’s gotta give here in Game 6.
Senators vs. Maple Leafs Game 6 pick, best bet
I do feel some positive regression coming Toronto’s way and it has already shown this series that it can compete when playing in Ottawa. But, the Senators are the hotter team and will have their home crowd backing them in a huge win-or-go-home scenario. This game is gross and I truly think it is 50/50 because you never know what Leafs squad will show up. Not only are we backing the hotter team but we are betting against Toronto’s awful postseason history. If you are 1-13 in the past 14 series-clinching games, I will assume you are cursed and back the opposing team every time.
