Avalanche vs. Maple Leafs NHL Odds, Prediction and Picks: MacKinnon Tests Slumping Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs look to snap a brutal three-game losing streak in which they have been outscored by an 11-4 combined margin when they host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night in NHL betting action at Scotiabank Arena. The Leafs are coming off a dismal 4-0 loss to remain winless through the first three games of their current six-game homestand, and have surrendered almost four goals per game while losing five of six overall. The Avalanche open a four-game road trip in Toronto after rolling to a 4-0 victory over Detroit on Saturday. The Avs have overcome a shaky start to the season during their current 5-2-1 run, but have fallen short in four of their past five road contests.
The Avalanche arrive in Toronto perched as -170 road favourites on Tuesday’s NHL odds. The Leafs trail as +140 underdogs, and the total is listed at 6.5.
Avalanche vs. Maple Leafs NHL Betting Odds
The Leafs dominated in a 6-3 victory when they visited Colorado back on October 10, and have topped the Avalanche in four of six matchups since January 2024. However, the Avs have held the upper hand in recent head-to-head clashes in Toronto, winning three of four, capped by a decisive 4-1 victory back in January. The total has topped 5 just twice in four meetings, halting a 5-1 run for the OVER in totals betting.
Toronto’s recent offensive woes have become increasingly difficult to overlook. The Leafs have scored only four goals over their past three games, including Sunday’s 4-0 loss to New Jersey, and have scored more than two goals just twice during the current 1-5-0 run that has dumped them into seventh place in the Atlantic Division standings. Overall, the club has compiled a 4-6-1 record on home ice, and have seen three of their four most recent defeats come by multi-goal margins.
The Avalanche arrive in Toronto after one of their strongest defensive performances of the season, a 4-0 shutout of Detroit. The victory was a welcome response to a 7-2 loss against Columbus and a 3-2 overtime defeat to Nashville. Colorado has shown flashes of its considerable offensive potential while going 2-1-1 in November, but has surrendered 6+ goals twice over its past three away dates.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avs’ biggest producers stepped up in Saturday’s shutout win over the Red Wings. Martin Necas scored twice and added an assist, while Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar each had three points. Overall, MacKinnon leads the club with 30 points including 10 goals, while Artturi Lehkonen leads the squad with 12 goals but is currently mired in a four-game pointless streak. The blueline duo of Makar and Devon Toews have bolstered the attack with welcome secondary scoring, combining for 10 total goals and an impressive 27 total helpers. However, the status of Makar remains uncertain for Tuesday after the star defenceman left Sunday practice, reportedly with a lower body injury. The Avalanche have reportedly recalled rookie rearguard Alex Gagne, who could make his NHL debut if Makar is unable to go.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs emerged as one of the most formidable offensive forces early in the season, but have struggled under the weight of injuries. The club has scored just three even-strength goals over the past two games, with Jack Roslovic potting two of those markers. Auston Matthews is coming off just his third pointless outing since the beginning of October, and has failed to find the mark during the club’s current slide.
Overall, Toronto has lost five of six since the beginning of October in which Matthews fails to score. Injuries have further complicated matters. Kirill Marchenko remains on the shelf with lower body injury while Roslovic, Morgan Rielly, and Colton Sissons are all listed as day-to-day. John Tavares returned to the lineup in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Montreal after missing nine games. Tavares has displaced prized rookie Gavin McKenna on the Leafs’ top power play unit, but is pointless in his return and failed to register a shot on goal in Sunday’s loss.
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