Maple Leafs vs. Dallas Stars: NHL Odds, Prediction

It’s been a rollercoaster start for the Toronto Maple Leafs to open the 2018-19 NHL season. While there is no doubt it has been an entertaining ride for the fans, the Maple Leafs would like to be a little more consistent defensively moving forward. That might not happen in their next game though as Toronto continues its road trip against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.

NHL Odds And Betting Analysis

Toronto went 20-16-5 on the road a year ago. After upgrading in the offseason, the Maple Leafs want to be even better regardless of where they play this season. Road favorites have opened the season with a 9-4 record overall. Toronto certainly fits the bill as a capable road favorite heading in to this matchup with the Stars.

Dallas absolutely thrived on home ice a year ago when they posted a 26-12-3 record at American Airlines Center. While they have had no struggles scoring goals, the Stars have also been excellent defensively with just one goal allowed through their first two wins. It will be very interesting to see if they can slow down the Toronto attack on Tuesday night.

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Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto has relied heavily on its top scorers through its first three games. Auston Matthews and John Tavares have combined for nine of the team’s 12 goals this season. The Maple Leafs would like these guys to lead but they need more help from the supporting cast. That includes Nazem Kadri, who has been quiet (two assists so far). The only question for Toronto is whether or not they can slow down their opponents.

After a 3-2 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens to open the season, the Maple Leafs have allowed an average of 5.5 goals while splitting their last two games against the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks. Goaltender Frederik Andersen is known around the NHL as a slow starter. The Leafs could be looking at another loss if that’s in fact the case.

Dallas Stars

The Stars are in a similar position to the Maple Leafs when it comes to relying heavily on their top scorers. Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov have combined for 13 points through Dallas’ first two games. There is no doubt that the Stars will rely heavily on that trip again this season.

Meanwhile, the renewed commitment to stronger defensive play has showed through Dallas’ first two games of the season. The Stars blanked the Arizona Coyotes 3-0 in their opener and then followed that up with a 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Ben Bishop has turned aside 62 of the first 63 shots he has faced in back-to-back wins. If Dallas continues to play better in front of him, Bishop could put up outstanding numbers this season. Bishop should be back between the pipes for the Stars on Tuesday night.

Maple Leafs vs. Stars Prediction

Dallas 7, Toronto 4