Toronto Maple Leafs (19-10-2) vs. Dallas Stars (19-11)
December 18, 2024 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Dallas Stars -135 / Toronto Maple Leafs +109; Over/Under: +6
(Get latest betting odds)
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Dallas Stars meet Wednesday in NHL action from American Airlines Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Dallas Stars prediction.
Toronto Maple Leafs Recap
The Toronto Maple Leafs come into this game looking to build on their 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres in their last matchup. After this game, Toronto will play a rematch with the Sabres and then will meet the Islanders and Jets.
Leafs Looking To String Momentum Together
Mitch Marner has a team-high 41 points with 10 goals and a team-high 31 assists while William Nylander has 31 points with a team-high 18 goals. John Tavares has 28 points with 15 goals and 13 assists and Auston Matthews has 21 points with 10 goals and 11 assists. Matthew Knies has 18 points with 11 goals while Morgan Rielly has 16 points with 4 goals and 12 assists as well on the year. Anthony Stolarz has gone 9-5-2 on the year in goal for Toronto with a 2.13 GAA and a .928 save percentage while Joseph Woll is 8-4 with a 2.24 GAA and a .918 save percentage and Dennis Hildeby has a 2-1 record, a 3.68 GAA and an .875 save percentage.
Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win
- The Maple Leafs have won eight of their last nine games as underdogs against the Stars.
- The Stars have lost two of their last three games as favorites following a win.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- The Stars have failed to cover the puck line in 10 of their last 12 games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
Dallas Stars Recap
The Dallas Stars come into this one looking to add to a 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals last time out. After this game, the Stars will face the Rangers and Utah.
Stars Looking To Stay Hot At Home
Matt Duchene leads the Stars with 30 points including a team-high 13 goals along with 17 assists. Tyler Seguin has 20 points with 9 goals and 11 assists and Mason Marchment has 27 points with 12 goals and 15 assists. Jason Robertson has 21 points with 7 goals and 14 assists while Roope Hintz has 19 points with 13 goals and Jamie Benn has 19 points with 13 assists. In goal for Dallas, Jake Oettinger is 16-7 with a 2.32 GAA and a .913 save percentage while Casey DeSmith is 3-4 with a 2.57 GAA and a .906 save percentage this season.
Why the Dallas Stars will win
- The Maple Leafs have lost each of their last five road games following a win.
- The Stars have won 13 of their last 15 games at American Airlines Center.
- The Maple Leafs have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games following a home win.
- The home team has covered the puck line in nine of the Stars’ last 11 games.
Maple Leafs vs. Stars Prediction
I’m on the Stars here. I get the case to be made for Toronto as this is a potent lineup that’s always capable of taking anyone down, home or away, but the Stars have been so good at home this season and just took down a Washington team that’s been one of the best road teams in the league as well on the year. Toronto’s won 6 straight head-to-head, but I think Dallas breaks that streak here. Give me Dallas.
