Golden Knights vs. Maple Leafs: NHL Odds, Prediction

Sports Interaction Staff
Last Updated: November 6, 2017

The center of the entertainment universe collides with one of the meccas of hockey Monday night when the Vegas Golden Knights make their first visit to Toronto for a date with the Maple Leafs. The Golden Knights are nearing the end of a six-game road trip, and are coming off their first win of the trek – a 5-4 triumph over the Ottawa Senators. Toronto returns home following a dreadful West Coast trip in which it claimed two of a possible eight points.

Golden Knights vs. Maple Leafs

Moneyline: Maple Leafs -220

Date: Monday, November 6, 4 p.m. ET

Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont.

NHL Odds and Betting Analysis

Oddsmakers believe the Maple Leafs won’t waste any time reclaiming their mojo following a dreadful 1-3 jaunt through California and Missouri. But it isn’t like Toronto was playing inspired hockey before that, dropping two of three on its most recent homestand. The Maple Leafs have struggled against Pacific Division teams, dropping 10 of 14 dating back to the end of last season. But Toronto is 7-3 in its last 10 after allowing five or more goals in its previous game.

East Coast trip trouble aside, Vegas has shown it can compete with the best the NHL has to offer in its inaugural season. The Golden Knights have won four of their past five games against teams with winning records. And bettors should keep a close eye on the total for this one, with both teams trending toward the over. Vegas has exceeded the total in six of its last seven following a win, while Toronto is 5-1-1 O/U in its previous seven home games.

Vegas Golden Knights

Still down to their fourth-string netminder, the Golden Knights have realized that their best chance at winning – at least until some goalies get healthy – is to fire the puck with reckless abandon. Vegas has 34 shots in three of its last four games after reaching that total just once in its first nine games – and while it won just one of those contests, it scored combined 12 goals in those three games. A dozen Golden Knights players have six or more points so far.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs have played to the under in 12 of their last 14 games against the Pacific Division – but Vegas is no ordinary Pacific opponent. And if Toronto can’t get its goaltending situation in order – the Leafs come into this one ranked 26th in the league in save percentage (.888) – then not only will this game lean heavily toward the over, but the home side might see an end to a trend that has seen it prevail in five of its last six Monday games.