Senators at Maple Leafs Game 2 Preview & Prediction – April 22, 7:40 PM EST (Playoffs)

The Matchup: The Ottawa Senators visit the Toronto Maple Leafs for Game 2 of their playoff series.

The Stakes: After a hard-fought Game 1, the Maple Leafs are looking to establish a dominant 2-0 series lead heading into Ottawa. The Senators will be desperate to steal one on the road and even up the series before returning home. Game 2 is critical for both teams to set the tone of the series. The result has the ability to influence the whole series.

Moneyline Odds: Senators +155 Maple Leafs -188

Key Storylines:

Leafs’ Home Ice Advantage: The Leafs must capitalize on their home-ice advantage and protect the ice in front of what will be a loud and energized crowd.*

Senators’ Resilience: Down 0-1 in the series, how will the Senators respond? Will they come out with renewed desperation or will they be deflated?

Special Teams Battle: The power play and penalty kill units will be essential in a playoff series. Which team will be able to leverage special teams to their advantage?*

Goaltending: As always, goaltending will play a key role. Both teams will need their netminders to be at their best.Prediction:With the chance to take a commanding lead in the series, I think there will be more from the Leafs. They will build from winning Game 1. They have the talent and the desperation to pull off a win in the play offs. With a record of 50-26 they are likely to use the skills gained. Also the Senators have played them and know what to do with a 35-38 record.

Pick: (Leafs -188)