Toronto Maple Leafs at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and predictions
The Toronto Maple Leafs (18-10-7) meet the Anaheim Ducks (13-23-0) on Wednesday at Honda Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Ducksodds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Maple Leafs picked up a 3-0 win on Tuesday night behind Martin Jones, the goaltender expected to be the regular now that Ilya Samsonov has been placed on waivers. After a shutout, Toronto is 0-1-1 in the next game.
Toronto is 6-0-1 in the past 7 games against Western Conference teams while hitting the Over at a 5-2 clip in those outings. However, the Under is 4-1 in the past 5 games overall for the Leafs.
The Ducks have had a power outage on offense lately, scoring 2 or fewer goals in 4 of the past 5 games. The offense is averaging just 1.8 goals per game during the span, including a 5-goal outburst in a win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 27. Anaheim has been shut out twice during the 5-game span.
The home team has cashed in 6 of the past 7 meetings in this series, with the Over going 4-0 in the past 4 battles and 6-1 in the previous 7 contests.
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Maple Leafs at Ducks odds
FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Maple Leafs at Ducks projected goalies
Martin Jones (4-3-0, 2.73 GAA, .915 SV%, 1 SO) vs. John Gibson (7-15-0, 2.96 GAA, .904 SV%)
Jones kicked aside all 31 shots he faced in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The team is a little shorthanded in the crease, as the Leafs waived Samsonov earlier this week, and Joseph Woll (lower body) remains sidelined due to an LBI. Dennis Hildeby was recalled from Toronto of the AHL, but Jones is likely to hold down the fort instead. If Hildeby gets the starting nod, that changes things dramatically for the visitors.
Gibson was tuned up last time out against the Edmonton Oilers on New Year's Eve, falling 7-2. He coughed up 7 goals on 39 shots, although he had allowed just 5 total goals on 83 shots across the prior 3 outings.
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Maple Leafs at Ducks picks and predictions
Prediction
Ducks 4, Maple Leafs 3
The Leafs are in a tough spot, facing a back-to-back in SoCal with some goaltender issues. Look for the DUCKS (+168) to get the job done, whether or not it's a fatigued Jones, who started Tuesday in L.A., or Hildeby, who would be making his NHL debut.
The home side has picked up victories in 5 of the past 6 meetings in this series, with Anaheim winning 2 of the past 3 at home.
If you can't bring yourself to take the home side straight up, DUCKS +1.5 (-134) is worth a look as underdogs on the puck line. In this series, 4 of the past 6 meetings have been decided by a single goal, including 3 which were unable to be decided in regulation.
The OVER 6.5 (-128) is the lean, but it's a little on the pricey side. Go with a half-unit play at most.
The Over has hit in 2 of the past 3 outings for the Ducks. The Over is a good play for the Leafs, too, playing in the 2nd end of a back-to-back set. Whether it's a tired Jones playing again in less than 24 hours, or a 22-year-old Hildeby making his debut, the Leafs are certain to give up at least a few goals.
