In this article we will formulate a Predators vs Maple Leafs prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, March 22nd at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 25-35-8 this year after they lost to Anaheim by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Nashville led 1-0 after the first period, but they were outscored 4-0 to end the game with the loss. The Predators were out shot by a total of 35-34, won 50.9% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Nashville got their lone goal from Stamkos, while Annunen stopped 31 out of 34 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Predators lost to the Blues by a score of 4-1 and the Kings by a score of 1-0. Nashville has lost four games in a row and they are currently second to last in the Central standings with 58 points. Nashville has scored 2.53 goals per game and they have allowed 3.27 goals against per game, while also going 20.6% on the power play and 81.8% on the penalty kill this season. Filip Forsberg has led Nashville with 25 goals, 36 assists, and 237 shots on goal, while Jonathan Marchessault has added 19 goals, 30 assists, and 190 shots on goal. Juuse Saros is 16-27-6 with a 2.94 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this year.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 42-24-3 this season after they defeated the Rangers by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Toronto was tied at two early in the second period, but they scored the next two goals and were able to hang on for the win. The Maple Leafs were out shot by a total of 30-28, won 54.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Toronto got goals from Kampf, McMann, and Tavares (2), while Stolarz stopped 27 out of 30 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Maple Leafs defeated the Avalanche by a score of 2-1 and the Flames by a score of 6-2. Toronto has won four of their last six games and they are currently tied for first in the Atlantic standings with 87 points. Toronto has scored 3.20 goals per game and they have allowed 2.93 goals against per game, while also going 25.5% on the power play and 78.2% on the penalty kill this season. Mitch Marner has led Toronto with 21 goals, 62 assists, and 148 shots on goal, while William Nylander has added 38 goals, 35 assists, and 226 shots on goal. Anthony Stolarz is 14-8-3 with a 2.42 goals against average and a .918 save percentage this year.
Why the Maple Leafs will beat the Predators
- The Maple Leafs have won eight of their last nine road games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Predators have lost each of their last four games.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in four of their last five games.
- The Predators have lost the second period in each of their last six games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents when trailing after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Predators’ last seven games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Maple Leafs’ last eight road games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last 10 games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in five of the Predators’ last six games as home underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Ryan O’Reilly has scored at least one goal in six of his last seven appearances with his team as a home underdog against the Maple Leafs.
- Steven Stamkos has recorded at least one point in each of his last nine home appearances against the Maple Leafs.
- Jonathan Marchessault has recorded an assist in five of his last six home appearances against the Maple Leafs.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- William Nylander has scored a goal in five of the Maple Leafs’ last six games as favorites.
- Auston Matthews has recorded at least one point in each of his last seven appearances against the Predators.
- Auston Matthews has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Maple Leafs’ last eight games as road favorites.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nashville Predators rank 32nd in the league for goals per game this season (2.53).
- The Nashville Predators rank 26th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.26).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank 6th in the league in power play percentage this season (25.53%).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank 1st in the league for Period 2 goals scored per game this season (1.29).
Predators vs Maple Leafs Prediction
Nashville comes into this matchup trying to snap a four game losing streak, but they will be at home for this contest. The Predators are 17-14-3 at home this year, while the Maple Leafs are 20-11-2 on the road. Nashville has had a ton of issues scoring this season and they have scored a total of three goals in their last four games. Toronto has won three games in a row and they can’t afford to drop games to these lesser teams, as they battle for first in the Atlantic. I can’t trust this Nashville team to consistently score, so give me the Leafs to get the win on the road.