Maple Leafs vs. Flames prediction, odds, pick, how to watch

It is time to continue our NHL odds series with a Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Calgary Flames prediction, pick, and how-to-watch.

The Toronto Maple Leafs can't hang onto a third-period lead, and it won't get any easier when they visit the Calgary Flames. It is time to continue our NHL odds series with a Maple Leafs-Flames prediction, pick, and how-to-watch.

The Maple Leafs couldn't turn a successful California road trip into momentum for the rest of the season. The Leafs took advantage of facing weak Sharks and Ducks teams. Then, they returned to lose four straight games to the Islanders, Avalanche, Red Wings, and Oilers. The Leafs either held the lead or were tied in the final ten minutes of each game but only managed one overtime loss point. The demise of the Leafs goaltending is occurring as many expected it would. Martin Jones allowed three goals in four games during the California trip. However, he allowed 11 goals in three games since the trip.

The run of games won't get any easier for the Maple Leafs, as the Flames are one of the best teams in the league in 2024. The Flames won seven games since New Year's Eve, including four straight. A surprising Blake Coleman is leading the team with 38 points in 44 games. However, their recent form can be attributed to Jonathan Huberdeau's mini-resurgence. Huberdeau has eight points in nine games but missed the Flames' last game with an illness. The illness going around the league is sidelining players for multiple games, so Huberdeau may not be available. Jacob Markstrom is also questionable.

Here are the NHL Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

NHL Odds: Maple Leafs-Flames Odds

Toronto Maple Leafs: -1.5 (+190)

Moneyline: (-120)

Calgary Flames: +1.5 (-230)

Moneyline: (+105)

Over: 6.5 (-120)

Under: 6.5 (-105)

How to Watch Maple Leafs vs. Flames

Time: 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

TV: Sportsnet

Why The Maple Leafs Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Maple Leafs have won seven of the last ten against the Flames. Calgary's last win came on February 10th, 2022. The recent form tells us to back the Flames in this matchup, as they are playing their best hockey of the season. The Leafs lost four in a row in devastating fashion with blown leads. However, we can look at it more positively and say that the Leafs played well enough to lead every game in the third period. The Leafs don't look great right now, and their fans are panicking about the team's direction. They are too good to lose five games in a row, and all it takes is to hold onto a third-period lead. We should feel comfortable with the Leafs finding a way to win this game.

If the Leafs lose this game, there could be a lot of hammers beginning to fall. The first may be on their head coach, as he failed to teach the team a sufficient defensive system. The coaches and players are beginning to feel the heat and will be focused on a definitive game plan going into this game.

Why The Flames Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Flames are in their best form of the season, while the Leafs are in their worst. The Flames scored 18 goals over their last four wins while only allowing eight. The Flames lost three straight to the Maple Leafs, but this game may be their best chance at beating them in a long time.

Final Maple Leafs-Flames Prediction & Pick

This won't be an easy pick to make if you know the Leafs' history. They have been blowing leads and look like a lost team. In the past, they fail to show up when the lights get bright and when they need a win. However, there are reasons to think differently about the Leafs this year. They have some wins that may have been scheduled losses in the past, which has surprised Leafs fans. You can argue that these last four losses are slipping them back into that narrative, but this should be the game where they get back on track.

Jonathan Huberdeau was under the weather on Tuesday night and missed the game, while Jacob Markstrom missed it with a lower-body injury. The Flames may be shorthanded, and the Leafs will take advantage.

Final Maple Leafs-Flames Prediction & Pick: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+190)