The Ottawa Senators face a critical challenge as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs for Game 3 of the 2025 NHL playoffs on Thursday, aiming to recover from a 2-0 series deficit. After a significant 6-2 loss in the opening game, the Senators showed resilience in Game 2 at Scotiabank Arena, pushing the game into overtime. However, Toronto secured another victory with Max Domi`s wrist shot sealing a 3-2 final score and extending their series lead.
Game 3 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Looking at the latest odds, Ottawa is listed as a -126 money line favorite, meaning you`d risk $126 to win $100. The visiting Toronto Maple Leafs are the underdog at +105 on the money line (risk $100 to win $105). The total number of goals expected (over/under) is set at 5.5. On the puck line, Ottawa is favored at -1.5 with odds of +198.
Expert analysis from a proven sports projection model offers insights into the matchup. This model, which simulates every NHL game 10,000 times, has demonstrated a strong performance this playoff season, particularly on top-rated puck line and over/under bets. Following its picks has reportedly yielded significant returns for bettors.
Key Predictions for Senators vs. Maple Leafs Game 3:
Maple Leafs +1.5 on the puck line (-240)
Toronto comes into Game 3 on an impressive run, having won seven consecutive games dating back to April 9. They have also covered the puck line in each of these victories. The last two times these teams met at Canadian Tire Centre, the game was decided by just one goal. The projection model strongly supports the Maple Leafs covering the +1.5 puck line, doing so in over 70% of its simulations.
Auston Matthews anytime goal-scorer (+125)
Three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner Auston Matthews is yet to find the back of the net in the playoffs, but he is a constant scoring threat. Matthews finished the regular season with goals in his final three games and boasts a history of success against Ottawa, having scored 25 goals in 35 career games against them. The odds for him to score at any point during the game are currently listed at +125.
