Dallas Stars at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions
The Dallas Stars (31-13-6) play the middle contest of a 3-game road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs (25-15-8). Puck drop at Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Stars vs. Maple Leafsodds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Stars eased by the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, winning 2-1 as the Under (6.5) easily cashed. Dallas picked right up where it left off prior to the All-Star break, as the Stars have won 4 in a row, while picking up points in 6 consecutive games (5-0-1).
The Maple Leafs lost 3-2 loss at home against the New York Islanders after emerging from the All-Star break Monday. That halted a 3-game winning streak, although the Under cashed again, and is 3-0-1 across the past 4 outings for the Leafs.
Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team's out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!
Stars at Maple Leafs odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last update at 6:12 a.m. ET.
Stars at Maple Leafs projected goalies
Scott Wedgewood (13-4-4, 2.98 GAA, .899 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (8-4-6, 3.35 GAA, .879 SV%, 2 SO)
Wedgewood is projected to get the starting nod after All-Star Jake Oettinger started in Buffalo. The backup is certainly no slouch, allowing 3 or fewer goals in each of his last 4 starts, going 2-0-1 with a 2.02 GAA and .919 SV%.
Samsonov has picked up the pace since returning to the big club, allowing 3 or fewer goals in each of his 5 starts since a stint in the minors. His personal 3-game win streak did come to an end on Monday against the Islanders, allowing 3 goals on 29 shots, while the offense provided just 2 goals of support.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Stars at Maple Leafs picks and predictions
Prediction
Stars 3, Maple Leafs 2
It might seem like a recurring nightmare to Maple Leafs (-145) fans, but expect another low-scoring loss to the visiting STARS (+120), who are a solid value despite playing on no rest with a backup goaltender.
Dallas is 3-0-2 in 5 games this season when playing on no rest, so it won't be bothered by heavy legs, and really, the rest situation is a non-factor since the team just had a week off due to the All-Star break.
The Stars +1.5 (-200) are a little too expensive on the puck line as an underdog, costing you 2 times your potential return. If you like Dallas, just play it straight up.
AVOID.
The UNDER 6.5 (-105) is a solid play at Scotiabank Arena.
The Stars cashed the Under in Buffalo, and you can expect another Under result here. The total has gone low in 3 straight meetings, and 5 of the past 6 in this series, with an average of just 5.0 goals in the 6-game span since Feb. 13, 2020.
The Leafs beat the Stars 4-1 in Dallas on Oct. 26.
