Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction, NHL Odds
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Nik Kowalski
The 1-3 Edmonton Oilers have had major defensive issues through four games in the North Division, and a trip to Toronto for two battles against the 3-1 Maple Leafs won’t help. Toronto’s scoring 3.5 goals per game early on, nearly as many as Edmonton is averaging against, at 3.75.
The Leafs’ hot start in the offensive zone had Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander all in the top-10 of NHL scorers entering Tuesday night. The Oilers at least had Connor McDavid in the top-10. Not much else has been exciting in Edmonton.
Oilers vs. Maple Leafs Betting Analysis
Generating a single win during a four-game home stand is even more concerning when looking at how Edmonton has performed in Toronto, as of late; the Oilers have lost seven of their last eight inside Scotiabank Arena. In a 56-game season, Edmonton can’t fall behind this quick.
Toronto’s scoring pace gets even better when they play the Oilers. In their past 10 against Edmonton, the Maple Leafs have potted 36 goals and have their power-play clicking above 31 per cent. Four games into 2021, Toronto’s conversion rate on the man advantage is at 42.9 per cent.
Oddsmakers have Toronto as -152 favourites to win, with the total set at 6.5. The over is the more probable outcome at -120 and given Edmonton’s defence is there any hesitance?
Edmonton Oilers
Four Oilers forwards have scored in 2021: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Kailer Yamamoto, Devin Shore, and McDavid. It’s a never-ending story with the Oilers and team depth. Up front, only Nugent-Hopkins, Yamamoto, McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have more than one point.
In their own end, Edmonton ranks first in shots allowed per game at 36.3, while also allowing five high-danger chances against, per game. They’ve tried lineup changes like healthy scratching 23-year-old defencemen Ethan Bear, and then swapping out Caleb Jones for Kris Russel and Willliam Lagesson on Monday, but that resulted in a 3-1 loss to Montreal with 34 shots against. Then when things do fall apart in their own end, Mikko Koskinen’s .897 save percentage isn’t doing much bailing out.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs’ offence has come as advertised. They have seven forwards with multiple points, led by Tavares and Marner with three goals and three assists each. Even Joe Thornton’s gotten on the board with a bingo and an assist while on the top line with Marner and Auston Matthews.
After two shaky defensive games to start the year, Toronto has shown recent improvements. They surrendered one goal against Winnipeg on Monday, and two in Ottawa on Saturday, picking up wins in both games. Toronto is only giving up 25.8 shots per game too, which is over six fewer than a year ago. It’s early, but the off-season additions of T.J. Brodie and Zach Bogosian seem to be paying off.
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