Carolina Hurricanes vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The offense has been great but the defense has carried the Hurricanes, allowing only 2.52 goals per game. Brent Burns and Brett Pesce have combined for 9.4 defensive point shares and 163 blocked shots while Brady Skjei, Jaccob Slavin, and Jalen Chatfield have combined for 12.3 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. The hope is that goaltender Frederik Andersen can improve as he has a .903 save percentage and a 2.41 goals-against average on 599 shots with -0.9 goals saved above average.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!The Maple Leafs are having a great season with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.39 goals per game including 15 goals in the last four games. Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews have scored 90 goals and 142 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has also stepped up. John Tavares, Michael Bunting, and Calle Jarnkrok have combined for 65 goals and 74 assists while defensemen Morgan Rielly and Mark Giordano have added seven goals and 48 assists from the point to put the offense over the top.The offense has been great but the defense has also stepped up, allowing only 2.67 goals per game with only two goals in the last game. Mark Giordano and Justin Holl have combined for 8.4 defensive point shares and 240 blocked shots while Timothy Liljegren, T.J. Brodie, and Jake McCabe have combined for 6.6 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Ilya Samsonov has been great with a .916 2.36 goals-against average on 946 shots with 11.2 goals saved above average.
Best Bets for this Game
Insiders Status:
This is going to be a great game between two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes look to pull off the upset but the Maple Leafs look to step up on their home ice and control this game. The Maple Leafs, who average 3.39 goals per game, should pile on the goals with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with great puck movement. The Maple Leafs, who allow only 2.67 goals per game, should limit the Hurricanes' offense with Mark Giordano, Justin Holl, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Ilya Samsonov to make plenty of big saves. The Maple Leafs should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.
Take the Maple Leafs money line as home Favorites.
Prediction: Maple Leafs (-120)
BetMGM wants to make your first tournament bet easy! Get up to $1,000 back in Bonus Bets if you don't win. What are you waiting for? Passing this up would be Madness! *Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in Nevada, New York or Ontario.
Insiders Status:
Both teams have great defenses and the upcoming game should reflect that with both defensive units stepping up and controlling this game from the first period. The Hurricanes, who allow only 2.52 goals per game, should limit the Maple Leafs' offense with Brent Burns, Brett Pesce, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Frederik Andersen to make plenty of big saves. The Maple Leafs, who have only allowed two goals in the last game, should eliminate the Hurricanes' offense with Mark Giordano, Justin Holl, T.J. Brodie, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone while goaltender Ilya Samsonov blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game controlled by both defenses.
