Published Feb 27, 2:53am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 27, 2:53am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 27, 2:53am ET
The Toronto Maple Leafs return to the Scotiabank Arena for the first time since the Winter Olympics on Feb 28, as they host the Ottawa Senators. Find our picks here.
It has been a miserable return to action for Toronto, suffering a heavy road loss in their latest outing against the Florida Panthers to drop to the foot of the Atlantic Division.
The Ottawa Senators lost on their return to action, but they have still claimed victories in six of their last ten.
The playoffs look to be a dream for the Toronto Maple Leafs at this stage of the season, as the Canadian franchise sit bottom of the Atlantic Division. Home form has been a key trend for positive results, going 16-9-6 at the Scotiabank Arena.
However, the Leafs will need to get their defensive form back on track after shipping nine in games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers since returning to action. Thursday’s 5-1 loss against the Panthers will likely mean that confidence levels are low.
Auston Matthews will play in Canada for the first time since starring in the USA’s win over the nation in the gold medal game at the Olympics. The American has registered a team-high 26 goals.
The Ottawa Senators will need to pick themselves up quickly after losing in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.
Ottawa did lead early in that clash after Team USA star Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring in the first period. Travis Green’s team have endured mixed fortunes on the road this term, going 14-12-3.
Tim Stutzle is one of their main attacking threats, with the forward having scored a team-high 28 goals, and racking up 61 points. Drake Batherson has also performed to a high level this term, scoring 19 goals and adding 30 assists.
| TOTAL | Senators | Leafs | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 194 | 94 | 97 | - |
| GOALS | 1126 | 555 | 571 |
Confidence levels at the Leafs are extremely low ahead of their first game back in front of their home fans since the Olympics. The Senators could take full advantage of that, meaning that they are the value play based on their recent overall form.
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Pick
Ottawa Senators
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