Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators Prediction, NHL Odds
The Senators suffered recent home defeats at the hands of Nashville and Winnipeg, but rebounded by sweeping a two-game road trip, capped by Thursday’s 3-2 win in Boston. The Maple Leafs arrive in Ottawa on a steady 8-1-1 run, capped by Thursday’s dominating 7-3 win over Washington. However, the high-powered Leafs have struggled at times in recent dates with opponents currently out of playoff contention.
Backed by 85% of sports bettors, the Maple Leafs have emerged as massive -273 favourites in Saturday’s clash. The Senators lag as +301 underdogs, and the total is pegged at 6.5, with the UNDER emerging as a slender -112 favourite.
Maple Leafs vs. Senators NHL Betting Odds
Saturday night’s matchup at Canadian Tire Centre marks the fourth and final regular season meeting between these clubs. The Leafs earned the win in two of three previous clashes, capped by a 6-0 victory at Scotiabank Arena on New Year’s Day. However, they have lost two straight in Ottawa, each by a single goal. With these clubs averaging just five total goals per game in their previous three matchups, the UNDER paid out in each of those contests, ending a 4-1-0 run for the OVER.
While the Maple Leafs have clinched a playoff spot during their current 8-1-1 run, their recent struggles against inferior opponents have continued. The club has lost six of 11 against opponents currently outside the playoff picture, capped by a stunning 5-2 defeat this past week at the hands of the visiting Buffalo Sabres. Elimination from playoff contention has not slowed down the Senators, who have won five of eight and picked up a point in seven of 11 contests. And while they have lost seven of 10 on home ice, each of their past three defeats have come by just a single goal.
Toronto Maple Leafs
All eyes have been on Auston Matthews as he continues to rewrite the Maple Leafs record book. Matthews has made headlines while racking up a league-high 58 goals, and also set up a pair of goals in Thursday’s win over the Capitals to become the first Leaf player to reach 100 points since Doug Gilmour accomplished the feat in 1993. Not to be outdone, team captain John Tavares contributed three helpers in Thursday’s win, but has scored just twice over his past 17 road appearances.
Ottawa Senators
Tim Stutzle has been steady in his return after missing two games earlier this month. Stutzle scored the game winner while racking up three points for the second time in as many outings in Thursday’s victory over the Bruins. The talented 20-year-old has now scored four times and recorded 11 points during a seven-game point streak, but was limited to just one assist in three previous appearances against Toronto this season. Anton Forsberg is expected to get the call once again after stopping 40 of 42 shots in Boston. Forsberg has allowed just three total goals over his past two starts, and has allowed just nine total goals during a 2-1-1 run on home ice.
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