Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Prediction, NHL Odds & Picks (March 15)
Two Stanley Cup contenders go head to head when the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs collide in NHL action on Wednesday, March 15. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Colorado has the second-best odds to win the Cup (+700) while Toronto sits third at +900, meaning you won’t want to miss tonight’s Avalanche vs Maple Leafs clash.
The Avalanche won big in their last outing, crushing the Montreal Canadiens in an 8-4 blowout. Cale Makar, Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin each had three-point efforts while seven different Colorado players found the back of the net. The Avs have had success on the road lately, leaving time to tell if that trend continues tonight.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs aim to rebound after falling 4-3 to the Buffalo Sabres two nights ago. Despite being up 2-0 early in the first period, Toronto couldn’t get the stops it needed. The Sabres scored four straight goals after that, whereas the Leafs didn’t score again until there was just over a minute remaining in the third period.
Not only will the incoming Avalanche vs Maple Leafs tilt be exciting to watch, but it also brings some notable betting opportunities to the table. Fortunately, Betting News has you covered with FanDuel Sportsbook’s latest NHL odds, as well as a prediction and the best bets for the game.
Colorado Avalanche vs Toronto Maple Leafs Matchup Information and Betting Odds
Matchup Information
- Matchup: Colorado Avalanche (37-22-6, 19-11-1 Away) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (40-18-8, 24-7-4 Home)
- Venue & Location: Scotiabank Arena (Toronto, Ontario)
- Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
- Game Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
- Avalanche vs Maple Leafs TV Info: TNT
Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Odds
Game odds are via FanDuel as of Wednesday, March 15 at 8:56 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.
Spread
- Colorado Avalanche +1.5 (-194)
- Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (+160)
Over/Under
- Over 6.5 Goals (-110)
- Under 6.5 Goals (-110)
Moneyline
- Colorado Avalanche +122
- Toronto Maple Leafs -146
Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Betting Trends
- Colorado is 5-1 straight up in its last six games on the road.
- Toronto is 4-1 straight up in its last five games at home.
- The total has hit the over in seven of Colorado’s last eight games against the Atlantic Division.
- The total has hit the over in six of Toronto’s last nine games against the Central Division.
- The total has hit the over in six of the last seven Colorado-Toronto matchups.
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche Game Preview
The Avalanche head north of the border with some impressive road play as of late. As mentioned above, they’ve won five of their last six away contests and look to continue that success in Toronto.
The Avalanche’s offense has been clicking away from home, averaging 4.67 goals in those contests. The power play has also been phenomenal, operating at a 43.8% success rate. In fact, the unit went 3-of-3 on the man advantage against the Canadiens and now gets to take on the Maple Leafs, who have allowed a power-play goal in each of their last four games.
On top of solid road play, the Avalanche have recent momentum on their side. They’ve won three of their last four games overall, outscoring opponents 19-11 over that stretch.
Having said that, one area where the Avalanche have come up short is goaltending. Projected starting netminder Alexandar Georgiev (per Daily Faceoff) is just 3-2-1 in his last six starts with a 3.24 goals-against average and .868 save percentage. Even worse is the fact that while the Avs won their last game, he still allowed four goals on 19 shots to one of the league’s worst teams.
Assuming he starts, Georgiev must be better — especially since he looked terrible in a 6-2 loss to the Maple Leafs back in December. The veteran goaltender surrendered five goals on 24 shots before being pulled in the second period.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are determined to rebound after the loss to the Sabres. Fortunately, they’ve been rock solid at Scotiabank Arena, where they’ve won four of their last five outings. They now boast an impressive 24-7-4 record on home ice this season.
Toronto’s offense has also been cooking at home. The Maple Leafs averaged 4.4 goals in their previous five home games, scoring five or more in three contests. With Colorado’s goaltending being inconsistent at best, the offensive surge has a good shot at continuing.
Goaltending has also been a questionable spot for the Maple Leafs lately. Matt Murray is 1-3-0 in his last four appearances, sporting a 4.69 GAA and .835 SV% along the way. While Ilya Samsonov’s numbers have been noticeably better (2.84 GAA, .903 SV%), he’s been playing below his potential.
Fortunately, with the likes of Auston Matthews, John Tavares and Mitchell Marner on the roster, the Maple Leafs have the offense to offset their shortcomings between the pipes.
Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Prediction and Picks
Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Prediction: Maple Leafs 5, Avalanche 4
Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Picks: Maple Leafs ML (Best Value: -146 at FanDuel) & Over 6.5 Goals (Best Value: -110 at FanDuel)
The Avalanche may have momentum on their side, but the Maple Leafs have shown that they can handle the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Considering how that victory came on the road while Toronto has the home-ice advantage tonight, I have faith in the Leafs emerging as the victors.
Another good bet is to take the OVER on the 6.5-goal total. Neither team is getting great goaltending lately, leading to some high-scoring affairs. Furthermore, six of the last seven Avalanche vs Maple Leafs games have gone over their projected total, averaging exactly eight goals per contest over that span.
With both sides looking to cement themselves as championship contenders, expect a lot of offense at Scotiabank Arena.
