Dallas Stars vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction, NHL Odds
The Maple Leafs have struggled to generate steady offence during a middling 2-2-0 start to the season, averaging just 2.75 goals per game. Conversely, the Stars arrive in Toronto amid an unblemished 3-0-0 start to their schedule. Dallas is coming off a decisive 4-1 win over Winnipeg on Monday, and have surrendered just three total goals during their red hot start.
The Stars have made slight gains of the Thursday NHL odds since opening as +151 underdogs, improving to a +145 bet. The Maple Leafs maintain the support of 53 per cent of sports bettors despite fading to -174 favourites, and are also pegged as a +140 wager to cover as 1.5-goal chalk on the puckline. The total has held steady since opening at 6.5, but after OVER attracting 56 per cent of the betting action, the OVER has emerged as a short -115 bet.
Stars vs. Maple Leafs NHL Betting Odds
Thursday night’s matchup at Scotiabank Arena marks the first of two scheduled regular season meetings between these clubs. The Maple Leafs picked up wins in each of their two dates with Dallas last season, and have claimed victory in 11 of 14 head-to-head clashes.
However, it is the Stars who have prevailed in two of their past three visits to Toronto, with each of those wins coming by a single goal in low-scoring affairs. Home teams have struggled overall when these clubs clash, winning just twice in their past eight meetings.
Dallas Stars
The Stars have enjoyed steady performances at both ends of the ice during their current season-opening win streak. Jason Robertson has spearheaded an opportunistic Stars attack, getting on the scoresheet in each of the team’s first three outings while picking up a goal and four assists. Robertson also leads the squad with 13 shots on goal, but has seen his shot total decrease with each passing game.
The club’s special teams have also produced, scoring four times with the extra man and adding a shorthanded marker in last weekend’s 5-1 rout of the Nashville Predators. Jake Oettinger has enabled the Stars offence to press with confidence. The Dallas netminder has allowed just one goal in each of the team’s three wins to date, and has now earned the win in six straight regular season appearances, dating back to last April.
Toronto Maple Leafs
All eyes will be on Jason Robertson’s younger brother Nick as he makes his season debut for the Leafs on Thursday night. Robertson tallied 28 points in 28 games during an injury-shortened campaign with the Toronto Marlies last season, and looks poised for a breakthrough after recording eight points in five preseason games. Robertson and journeyman defenceman Victor Mete have been inserted in the lineup in the wake of injuries to goaltender Matt Murray and veteran rearguard Jake Muzzin. It is hopes the 21-year-old Robertson will provide a spark to a listless Toronto attack that has failed to score in the opening 20 minutes of the past two games, and is averaging fewer than three goals per game to date.
Apart from William Nylander, the Maple Leafs’ biggest offensive threats have yet to play that way. Most notable is Auston Matthews, who has failed to find the back of the net in his past two outings. However, the reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner has potted seven total goals over his past four appearances against Dallas. Ilya Samsonov is expected to get the call in net after enjoying a night off on Monday. Samsonov has backstopped Toronto to each of its two wins to date while allowing just two goals per game.
DAL
TOR