Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction, NHL Odds
In a battle that featured the NHL’s top goal scorer on one side and the league’s top two points leaders on the other side, Toronto came out on top over the Oilers in a 4-3 comeback overtime win on Saturday. In the last regular season meeting between these teams on Monday, the Leafs will look to pull further ahead in the North Division standings, while Edmonton is trying to make up some ground.
Toronto is a -161 favourite to win on the NHL odds with a total of 6.5.
Oilers vs. Maple Leafs Betting Analysis
It seems like every time Edmonton comes close to taking over the North Division this year, the Leafs slam them back to reality. Toronto has won six of eight meetings between these teams this season, including the last four. The Leafs have scored at least three goals in all eight games and shutout the Oilers twice.
The Oilers have struggled in Toronto and dropped six of their last seven games in the Six. The Oilers are 17-18 against the spread this season and have covered in just over half of their road games. Worth keeping in mind for this game, Edmonton has hit the Over in four of their last five games as an underdog.
It would be hard to argue Toronto hasn’t been the best team in the North Division by far, this season. One thing the Leafs have struggled with, however, is covering the spread. They’re 12-22 ATS and have covered in seven of 19 home games. With the NHL’s leading goal scorer and an injury-plagued goaltending tandem, it’s not surprising to see high scoring Toronto games. They’ve hit the Over in six of their last eight games overall, five of their last six at home and four of their last six against Edmonton.
Edmonton Oilers
Although no one from the Oilers would likely admit it, Saturday’s game might have been a little tougher for Edmonton after a full week between games. The Oilers had three games with Montreal postponed after two Habs players entered COVID protocols and they were off since a 4-2 win against Winnipeg on March 20. Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists against the Leafs, while Connor McDavid chipped in two assists. McDavid leads the NHL in scoring with 62 points (21G, 41A) in 35 games, while Draisaitl is No. 2 with 53 points (19G, 34A). Mike Smith made 27 saves in the loss.
It was a blown opportunity to overtake the lead in the North for Edmonton as they blew a 3-1 third period lead. Look for McDavid to have a big game on Monday. The Ontario kid loves playing in Toronto and always brings his A-game against Auston Matthews. In 12 games against Matthews, McDavid has five goals and 13 assists, although the Oilers are just 3-7-2 in those games. Edmonton needs some scoring outside of McDavid and Draisaitl if they want to catch the Leafs in the standings.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthews and McDavid came into Saturday’s game tied for the league-lead at 21 goals apiece, with Matthews breaking the tie in just about the best possible way. Toronto’s franchise player need less than a minute in OT to retake the lead in the NHL’s goal scoring race, finishing with a goal and an assist on the night. The OT winner also ended a five-game goalless drought for the sniper. Pierre Engvall, John Tavares and William Nylander also picked up goals in the win.
Jack Campbell made 17 saves in his third straight start and win on Monday. It looks like Campbell will have the Leafs’ net for a while, as Frederik Andersen is out after re-aggravating a lower-body injury. Campbell has a perfect 6-0-0 record since joining the Leafs in the off-season. Among goalies with at least six games played, Campbell’s 1.48 goals-against average and .945 save percentage are both No. 1 in the league.
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