In this article, we will formulate a Maple Leafs vs Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, March 19 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche (41-24-3, 30-38 ATS) are playing their best hockey of the season. Although their longest-winning run of the year ended at six, with a shootout loss to the Wild, the Avs returned to winning ways against the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. Colorado is 3rd in the Central Division Standings with 85 points, four behind the Stars and 13 behind the top-placed Jets.
The Avalanche score 3.34 goals per game on average (5th), while they concede 2.87GPG (13th). This season, Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 103 points (27 G and 76 A). Cale Makar has 78 points (25 G and 53 A), while Artturi Lehkonen chips in with 41 points (27 G and 14 A).
Scott Wedgewood (10-6-1) is expected to start for the Avalanche at the goal on Wednesday against the Maple Leafs. The 32-year-old is allowing 2.49 goals per game this year with a .906 SV% and two shutouts.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs (40-24-3, 33-34 ATS) unlike the Avs, are going through their toughest patch of the season after losing five of the previous seven games. The Maple Leafs opened their four-game home stand with defeats to the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators but bounced back with a comfortable 6-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Toronto is 3rd in the Atlantic Division Standings with 83 points, the same as the Lightning and two behind the Panthers.
The Maple Leafs average 3.21 goals per game this year (9th), while they allow 2.96 GPG (17th). Mitch Marner leads the team with 82 points (21 G and 61 A). William Nylander contributes 71 points (38 G and 33 A), while Auston Matthews has 60 points (26 G and 34 A).
Anthony Stolarz (13-8-3) will likely take his place in the cage for the Maple Leafs on Wednesday against the Avalanche. The 31-year-old is allowing 2.39 goals per game this year with a .918 SV% and one shutout.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Maple Leafs’ last 10 games at Scotiabank Arena following a home win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the Avalanche’s last nine games as road favorites following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the last seven games between the Avalanche and Maple Leafs.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in four of the Avalanche’s last five games following an overtime win.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of only four teams to win 10+ games when trailing after Period 1 this season.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of only four teams to win a game when trailing by 3 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 2nd in the league for Period 3 goals scored per game this season (1.35).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 3rd in the league for shots against per game this season (26.1).
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche Prediction
The teams have traded victories over the past ten games as each recorded five. This season, the Avalanche won the only H2H meeting; it was 7-4 in Denver. I don’t expect to see 11 goals again, but I am backing Over and I think at least seven combined goals is realistic. Seven of the previous ten H2Hs went Over, while both teams have had a positive Over/Under record recently. There are plenty of excellent offensive players on each side, so I anticipate a high-scoring affair. Back Over.