Bruins vs Maple Leafs Prediction & Odds - 2/26/2025

The Toronto Maple Leafs (34-20-2) head to TD Garden on Tuesday night to face a Boston Bruins (27-24-7) team that finds itself in an unfamiliar position, sitting just outside the playoff picture with 24 games remaining in the regular season.

The Maple Leafs enter the contest riding high after two consecutive post-break victories, including a commanding 5-2 win over Chicago, while maintaining their strong position as second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Boston's playoff hopes have been dealt a significant blow with the loss of star defenseman Charlie McAvoy to a potential season-ending shoulder injury, compounded by the absence of Hampus Lindholm on their blue line.

The stark contrast in recent performance is evident in the teams' goal differentials, with Toronto posting a +16 while Boston struggles at -26 this season.

The teams have already met three times this season, with Toronto claiming victory in two of those matchups, suggesting a continuing shift in the balance of power between these Original Six rivals.

As these longtime rivals prepare to face off in what could be a pivotal game for both teams' postseason aspirations, the Maple Leafs-Bruins prediction weighs heavily on the mounting injuries facing the home team and Toronto's superior special teams performance.

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs preview

The Toronto Maple Leafs head to TD Garden for a crucial Eastern Conference matchup against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night, with both teams facing vastly different challenges as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Toronto enters the contest riding high, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 34-20-2 record and fresh off an impressive 5-2 victory over the Blackhawks, where Nicholas Robertson netted two goals to lead the charge.

The Bruins, traditionally a powerhouse, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, sitting 10th in the conference and desperately fighting for a playoff spot with just 24 games remaining in their schedule.

Boston's struggles have been compounded by significant injuries to their defensive corps, with star defenseman Charlie McAvoy potentially out for the season due to a shoulder injury sustained during the NHL 4-Nations Faceoff, while Hampus Lindholm is also sidelined long-term.

The statistical contrast between these teams is stark, with Toronto ranking 12th in goals per game while Boston languishes at 25th, and the Leafs holding a substantial advantage in special teams performance.

Toronto's balanced attack and solid goaltending from Joseph Woll, who has been sharp between the pipes, gives them a clear edge over a depleted Bruins squad that's struggling to find consistency.

The season series has favored Toronto thus far, with the Leafs taking two of the first three meetings, and their superior +16 goal differential compared to Boston's -26 suggests this trend might continue.

While the Maple Leafs will need to monitor the status of key players Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, who are listed as day-to-day, their depth and recent form make them the favorites to extend their winning streak at TD Garden.

This historic rivalry adds another compelling chapter as the Bruins fight to keep their playoff hopes alive while Toronto aims to solidify their position among the Eastern Conference elite.