Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction, NHL Odds
The Maple Leafs saw a three-game win streak snapped with Thursday’s loss in the desert, which also marks their fourth defeat in six road contests. The Avalanche opened their current three-game home stand with Thursday’s 5-4 loss to Los Angeles, extending their current losing streak to three games.
The Maple Leafs inched down to -130 road favourites since opening as a -132 bet, but command the support of 71% of sports bettors. The Avalanche lag as +108 underdogs, while the total remains unchanged since opening at 6.5.
Maple Leafs vs. Avalanche NHL Betting Odds
Saturday night’s matchup at Ball Arena marks the first of two regular season meetings between these teams. These clubs split a pair of dates last season, with home teams emerging victorious in each, capped by Colorado’s narrow 5-4 win on January 8. However, it is the Leafs that have earned the win in three of their past five overall clashes, including victories in two of their past three visits to Colorado. With Toronto averaging 4.60 goals per game, the OVER has paid out in five of its past six matchups with the Avs.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs’ inability to play a full 60 minutes came back to bite them in Thursday’s loss to the Coyotes. Leading 3-2 entering after allowing just 11 shots on goal through the first two periods, the Leafs were simply outplayed in the final frame while surrendering four unanswered goals to seal their third defeat in four road contests. Toronto has now blown third-period leads in each of their past two contests, extending a worrisome trend that has seen this team outscored by a wide 11-4 margin in the final frame over their past six games.
The Leafs’ recent struggles coincide with Auston Matthews’ current scoring slump, with the reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner scoring just once in four road games, and just twice in his past seven overall appearances. Role players have picked up the slack on offence, with Calle Jarnkrok and Alex Kerfoot combining to tally four goals and two assists over the first two games of this road trip.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche saw their recent stretch of streaky play continue with Thursday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Kings. The Avs have now surrendered 11 total goals during a two-game slide that comes on the heels of a four-game win streak in which they allowed just four total goals, raising questions as to which version of this team will show up on Saturday night.
The Avalanche’s woes have not been helped by the absence of Nathan MacKinnon, who hasn’t seen action since December 5 due to an upper body injury. MacKinnon returned to practice this week sporting a non-contact jersey, and reportedly could return to action on Saturday. MacKinnon has enjoyed steady success against Toronto, scoring seven times and adding four helpers during a seven-game points streak in head-to-head action. However, Colorado needs a far better performance out of expected starting goalie Alexandar Georgiev, who has been rocked for nine total goals on just 59 shots over his past two starts, and 10 total goals over his past two appearances against the Leafs.
TOR
COL