Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction, NHL Odds
After they each separated themselves from the teams immediately behind them in the standings last week, Toronto and Montreal are set to meet at the Bell Centre on Wednesday. The Leafs nearly have top spot in the North Division clinched after sweeping a two-game set with the Jets. On the other side of the ice, the Habs can breathe a little easier after beating the Flames and extending their lead over Calgary for the final playoff spot in the division to six points.
Toronto comes into this game as a -143 road favourite to win on the NHL odds with a total of 6.0.
Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens Betting Analysis
With the regular season winding down, these teams are set to meet three more times. The Leafs have won four of six meetings in the seasons series and with this matchup likely a first round playoff preview, you can bet Toronto won’t go any easier on the Canadiens.
The Leafs’ road record has served them well this season, as they’ve posted a 16-6-2 record outside of Scotiabank Arena, including seven wins in their last 10 road games. Betting them to cover hasn’t worked out well though. Toronto is 17-31 against the spread. covering in 10 of 24 road games. The Over has only hit twice in this season series.
Montreal is playing a risky game in terms of their performance. They’ve dropped eight of their last 12 games, including two of their last three to Calgary, the team chasing them in the standings. They’re 20-27 ATS and have failed to cover in 15 of 22 home games. Four of the Habs’ last five home games have gone Under the total.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Taking down the Jets twice in Winnipeg was a huge statement for the Leafs last week. It looks like this team is starting to come together just in time for the playoffs. Jack Campbell made 25 saves in a 4-1 win on Saturday and should get the start again on Wednesday. With Frederik Andersen still clearly injured, Campbell should receive the bulk of the work for the rest of the regular season. Campbell is 13-2-1 overall with a 2.21 goals-against average and .922 save percentage this season. He’s been even better on the road, going 9-1-1 with a 1.89 GAA and .933 SV. It’s worth noting, however, he has split his only two starts against Montreal this season.
Nick Foligno is a player to watch out for as the regular season winds down. Riding shotgun on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, Foligno has picked up two assists since being acquired at the trade deadline. Foligno can slot up and down the lineup and do the dirty work to help out Matthews and Marner. It’s tough to think Foligno’s offensive production won’t go up, playing on a line with the NHL’s leading goal scorer in Matthews.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal desperately needed that 2-1 win against Calgary on Monday, to keep the pressure off. They now have a decent six-point lead over the Flames for the final North playoff spot and might actually have a chance to catch Winnipeg for third in the division. Like Toronto, the Habs will once again turn to their No. 2 goalie, while the No. 1 goalie is out of commission. Carey Price is still likely a few games away from returning after sustaining a concussion, so Jake Allen should get the start on Wednesday. Allen has been the better goalie this year, posting a 9-9-4 record with a 2.49 GAA and .913 SV. He’s allowed three or fewer goals in seven straight starts and he’s split his two starts against Toronto this season.
Tyler Toffoli and Shea Weber picked up Montreal’s goals on Monday. Toffoli has been an absolute steal as a free agent signing from this past off-season. The former L.A. Kings Stanley Cup winner leads the Canadiens with 36 points and is fifth in league scoring with 25 goals.
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