Sharks vs. Maple Leafs Prediction, NHL Odds: Celebrini and McKenna in the Spotlight
The Toronto Maple Leafs look to halt a three-game losing streak that has dumped them into last place in the Atlantic Division standings when they host the San Jose Sharks on Monday night in NHL betting action at Scotiabank Arena. The Leafs have struggled defensively throughout the early weeks of the campaign and enter Monday’s contest on the heels of Saturday’s disappointing 4-1 home loss to the New York Islanders. The Sharks have endured struggles of their own while losing three of their past four games, but have won two of three on the road, all of which were settled in overtime or by shootout. Monday’s contest also marks the first-ever meeting between the two recent first-overall picks in the NHL Draft, San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini and Toronto’s Gavin McKenna.
Despite their recent woes, the Maple Leafs are perched as -140 home favourites on Monday’s NHL odds. The Sharks trail as +120 underdogs, and the total is listed at 6.5.
Sharks vs. Maple Leafs NHL Betting Odds
The Sharks have enjoyed steady success in recent dates with the Leafs, averaging four goals per game while winning four straight, but earned their only victory in 60 minutes over that stretch in their most recent clash, a 4-1 win in San Jose last April. The Leafs have scored two or fewer goals in three of those outings, contributing to a 3-1 run for the UNDER when these teams meet.
However, shutting down opposing shooters has emerged as a big problem for the Leafs, who have allowed 4+ goals in five of their past six games, and given up the sixth most shots on goal in the league to date. That has generated dividends for NHL betting fans taking the OVER, which has gone 5-1 in Toronto’s past six.
With a 4-3-1 record, the Sharks currently sit alone in fourth place in the Pacific Division, but also are wrestling with defensive issues after allowing four goals per game over their past three outings and 3+ goals in six of their first eight contests. But with the club’s youthful core coming into core, the Sharks have emerged as a -110 bet to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks arrive in Toronto following Saturday’s frustrating 4-3 shootout loss in Detroit, where they surrendered the tying goal with just 1:33 remaining in regulation. Macklin Celebrini led the attack with a goal and two assists, while rookie Ivar Stenberg and Dmitry Orlov also scored. Overall, San Jose has now lost three of four contests after opening the season with three wins in four games. However, they have received encouraging contributions from several young players. Celebrini leads the way with 11 points, while Will Smith and Stenberg have contributed six points apiece. Michael Misa, the second-overall selection in the 2025 draft, has added three assists through eight games. San Jose’s biggest weakness remains its defensive play. Yaroslav Askarov has struggled in the crease, posting a 3.99 goals-against average and .848 save percentage through five appearances.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs continue their search for consistency following their third consecutive defeat.
Colton Sissons scored Toronto’s lone goal against New York, while Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 16 of 19 shots. The loss extends a troubling defensive trend that has seen the Leafs allow at least three goals in every game this season. Injuries have complicated matters. John Tavares is sidelined indefinitely after suffering a lower-body injury against last week versus Buffalo while defenceman Chris Tanev is also on the shelf with an upper-body injury.
Tavares’ absence is particularly significant given his role as second-line centre and power-play contributor. The Leafs have nevertheless generated 3.22 goals per game, while their power play has converted 26.7 per cent of its opportunities. Gavin McKenna returned to a regular shift after getting benched for most of Thursday’s loss to the Sabres, joining the first power-play unit and playing a season-high 17:56. McKenna failed to crack the scoresheet for a second straight game after enjoying a four-game points streak but continues to lead the way as +270 chalk to claim this season’s Calder Trophy.
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