In this article we will formulate a Maple Leafs vs Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, December 6th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 13-11-3 this season after they defeated Carolina by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Toronto had their lead cut to 2-1 in the first period, but they added two in the second and one in the third to seal the lopsided win. The Maple Leafs were out shot by a total of 33-24, won 56.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Toronto got goals from Knies, Laughton, Matthews, and McMann (2), while Woll stopped 23 out of 24 shots and Hildeby stopped all nine shots that he faced.
Prior to that game, Toronto defeated the Panthers by a score of 4-1 and the Penguins by a score of 7-2. The Maple Leafs have won three games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Atlantic standings with 29 points. Toronto has scored 3.48 goals per game and they have allowed 3.37 goals against per game, while also going 14.7% on the power play and 81.8% on the penalty kill this season. William Nylander has led Toronto with 11 goals and 21 assists, while John Tavares has added 13 goals and 16 assists. The projected starting goalie for Toronto is Dennis Hildeby, who is 1-2-1 with a 2.86 goals against average and a .919 save percentage this season.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens are 14-9-3 this year after they defeated Winnipeg in a shootout by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Montreal tied the game at one and at two in the second period, before locking down on defense and getting the win in a shootout. The Canadiens were out shot by a total of 32-31, won 60.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-1 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Kapanen and Slafkovsky, while Dobes stopped 30 out of 32 shots, which was a .938 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Montreal lost to the Senators by a score of 5-2 and the Avalanche by a score of 7-2. The Canadiens have won four of their last six games and they are currently third in the Atlantic standings with 31 points. Montreal has scored 3.31 goals per game and they have allowed 3.54 goals against per game, while also going 26.4% on the power play and 77.4% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with eight goals and 23 assists, while Cole Caufield has added 14 goals and 15 assists. The projected starting goalie for Montreal is Jakub Dobes, who is 9-3-2 with a 3.11 goals against average and an .891 save percentage this year.
Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win
- The Maple Leafs have won each of their last eight home games against the Canadiens.
- The Canadiens have lost 13 of their last 14 road games following a shootout win.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in each of their last four home games.
- The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven games following a home win.
- The Maple Leafs have won the first period in each of their last four games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Canadiens’ last seven games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Maple Leafs’ last seven night games against Atlantic Division opponents at Scotiabank Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Three of the last four games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last nine games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last nine Saturday games.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- John Tavares has scored at least one goal in five of the Maple Leafs’ last six home games.
- William Nylander has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 appearances with the Maple Leafs as favorites.
- William Nylander has recorded at least one assist in each of his last eight appearances with the Maple Leafs as home favorites.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Oliver Kapanen has scored a goal in each of the Canadiens’ last four road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Cole Caufield has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last nine games.
- Cole Caufield has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last eight games.
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Prediction
Toronto comes into this matchup looking for their fourth straight win and they have scored 16 goals during this three game winning streak. The Maple Leafs are 8-4-3 at home this year, while the Canadiens are 7-3-2 on the road. Montreal has dropped two of their last three games and defense/goaltending continues to be a problem. I think we could see a higher scoring game in this contest, but Toronto is playing their best hockey in a while. Take the Leafs to win again here.