The Maple Leafs and Bruins have had some intense playoff clashes throughout the years. For young folks such as myself, there was nothing crazier than the Bruins' Game 7 comeback in 2013.
"Crazier things have happened," my friend said when Boston was trailing, 4-1.
He was wrong, though. That was actually the craziest thing that had happened in the history of mankind at the time, though it has since been dethroned. Watching those Maple Leafs fans pout in the streets was a truly joyful experience and I sure hope we get to see it again in the near future.
Last year's Game 7 between the two teams was a bit different, as the Bruins came out hot in the third period and scored four goals en route to a 7-4 win. Different strategy, same result.
The Maple Leafs are hoping this year is a different story, and sharp bettors are hopping on their wagon — at least for the first game of the series. The public certainly likes Boston, as it is commanding just shy of 70% of moneyline bets. After opening at -145, though, the Bruins have fallen to -133.
Per Sports Insights' bet signals, there have been four waves of sharp action to hit the Maple Leafs, compared to zero on the Bruins.
Professional bettors initially got down at +140 on Monday, but have since hit Toronto three more times at +130, +128 and +125 during the past 24 hours.
If the Leafs win, NHL contrarian playoff bettors would continue a hot start. Yesterday, the Blue Jackets (16%, +200) stormed back for a win in Tampa Bay, while the Stars (32%, +140) got the win against Nashville on the road.
