PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NHL Underdog Game of the Year
(NHL) Toronto vs. Ottawa,
Money Line: 166.00 Ottawa (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: 166.00 Ottawa (Home)
Result: Win
This is a huge Ontario rivalry. Given the circumstances, the Senators probably should be the favorite instead of a massive home 'dog.
The Maple Leafs have nothing to play for in this game. They have already clinched the North Division and the No. 1 seed in the division. Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe has made it clear his intention and priority is to rest healthy players and get his injured players slowly back into form if they are able to play. Another priority is getting rusty goalie Frederik Andersen up to speed.
Andersen has been the Maple Leafs' first string goalie. However, he hasn't played in the NHL since March 19 due to a knee injury. Andersen didn't look good in a couple of AHL appearances, but Keefe wants to prepare him for the playoffs. He has this game and the Leafs' final regular season game on Friday against the Jets to do that.
Ottawa has been playing well going 8-3 in its last 11 games. The Senators, though, are off a bad 6-1 road loss to the Flames this past Sunday. This is Ottawa's final game of the season since it won't be in the playoffs. The Senators want to close their season looking good. So this is a much more important game for them. This has been a home team series, too, lately with the host winning four of the past five times.
The Maple Leafs have nothing to play for in this game. They have already clinched the North Division and the No. 1 seed in the division. Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe has made it clear his intention and priority is to rest healthy players and get his injured players slowly back into form if they are able to play. Another priority is getting rusty goalie Frederik Andersen up to speed.
Andersen has been the Maple Leafs' first string goalie. However, he hasn't played in the NHL since March 19 due to a knee injury. Andersen didn't look good in a couple of AHL appearances, but Keefe wants to prepare him for the playoffs. He has this game and the Leafs' final regular season game on Friday against the Jets to do that.
Ottawa has been playing well going 8-3 in its last 11 games. The Senators, though, are off a bad 6-1 road loss to the Flames this past Sunday. This is Ottawa's final game of the season since it won't be in the playoffs. The Senators want to close their season looking good. So this is a much more important game for them. This has been a home team series, too, lately with the host winning four of the past five times.