The 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing! With just the 2 games on the agenda today, we have had plenty of time this morning to research the fixtures in depth and bring you the absolute best predictions. Have a read below for all our NHL picks.
Montreal Canadiens @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Round 1 – Game 7) – 7.00 PM EDT
With the series on the line for a second game in a row, the Canadiens prevailed over the Maple Leafs, once again taking the match to overtime and coming out on top to send the series to game 7.
The game was in deadlock for the majority, with both teams entering the final term goalless, it wasn’t until 5 minutes into the period that Tyler Toffoli teed up Corey Perry for a goal with the man advantage, the first power play goal of the Habs’ postseason.
After claiming the 1-0 lead it took just over a minute before the Canadiens struck again, with Tyler Toffoli burying a goal of his own, once again on the powerplay.
Leading 2-0 with 10 minutes to play it looked like the Habs had pulled it off, however, quickfire goals from Jason Spezza and T.J Brodie saw the Maple Leafs send the game to overtime, where it took 15 minutes for Jesperi Kotkaniemi to score the decisive goal.
“We’ve got to refocus here and we’ll be ready to go for Game 7.”
🎥 Post-Game Media Mashup | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/aTh5lyitVx
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 30, 2021
For the second game in a row the Habs were outshot by the Maple Leafs, fortunately Carey Price was once again up to the task, making 41 saves from 43 attempts to help secure the crucial victory.
The game now moves back to Toronto for the final instalment, and after two inspired performances from the Montreal side they will need to make it 3 in a row to progress today. However, with the stakes now even at either end, and playing back in front of their fans, it is hard to imagine the Maple Leafs not getting the job done today.
NHL Pick – Toronto Maple Leafs (-220)
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New York Islanders @ Boston Bruins (Round 2 – Game 2) – 7.30 PM EDT
The Bruins were dominant over the Islanders in game 1 on Saturday, capitalizing on the 3 additional days of preparation they earnt for their swift progression past the Washington Capitals in round 1.
The 5-2 victory marked the biggest scoreline of the postseason for the Boston side, with David Pastrnak responsible for scoring 3 of them, the second playoff hat trick of his career.
David Krejci didn’t score a goal, but bagged a hat trick of his own with 3 assists, one of which was to Pastrnak, and the others to Charlie McAvoy and Taylor Hall during the Bruins’ dominant final term.
The best.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/u7CWMkswE5
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 30, 2021
Despite taking a measly 22 shots for the game, the Islanders were the first to break the deadlock, converting from a power play midway through the opening period. After going down 2-1, Adam Pelech pulled one back with 8 minutes to play in the second, but they were unable to maintain pace in the third, conceding the next 3 goals unanswered.
Ilya Sorokin got his 5th successive start in net for the Islanders, but he didn’t have the same success, registering his first loss of the postseason, and conceding a playoff high 4 goals from 39 attempts.
With the win the Bruins maintain their flawless playoff home record, and with another game to play in Boston today we are expecting more of the same from this well oiled Bruins’ outfit.
NHL Pick – Boston Bruins (-186)
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The 2021 NHL postseason is well underway now! If you want to catch up with all the latest information, make sure you visit our NHL hub page.
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
