Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Calgary Flames Prediction, Preview, and Odds

The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Calgary Flames with both teams looking to build off of strong seasons. The Maple Leafs have a 37-15-8 record which is second-best in the Atlantic Division and have been one of the most active teams ahead of the trade deadline as a result. The Flames have a 27-21-13 record but with only three wins in their last 10 games, they have fallen out of playoff position in the Western Conference. Both teams look to improve in the playoff picture and the upcoming game looks to be a great one.

Maple Leafs are led by incredible offense

The Maple Leafs are having a great season with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.45 goals per game. Mitch Marner and William Nylander have scored 53 goals and 93 assists while Auston Matthews and John Tavares have added 55 goals and 65 assists to the top two lines but the rest of the offense has also been great. Michael Bunting, Calle Jarnkrok, and Alexander Kerfoot have combined for 38 goals and 57 assists while recent additions Sam Lafferty, Ryan O'Reilly, and Noal Acciari look to round out the forward unit, making the Maple Leafs' offense tough to stop.

The offense has been great but the defense has also stepped up, allowing only 2.62 goals per game. Mark Giordano and Timothy Liljegren have combined for 7.9 defensive point shares while trade deadline acquisitions Jake McCabe and Luke Schenn look to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Joseph Woll has stepped up with a .929 save percentage and a 2.57 goals-against average on only 70 shots.

Flames have been carried by their offense

The Flames are having a promising season with their offense leading the way, scoring 3.15 goals per game. Nazem Kadri, Elias Lindholm, and Tyler Toffoli have scored 63 goals and 86 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has also been great. Mikael Backlund, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Dillon Dube have combined for 43 goals and 76 assists while defenseman Rasmus Andersson has added seven goals and 31 assists from the point to open up the offense.

The offense has been great but the defense has struggled, allowing 3.08 goals per game including 12 goals in the last three games. Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson have combined for 6.7 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Jacob Markstrom has struggled with a .887 save percentage and a 2.96 goals-against average on 1013 shots with -18.2 goals saved above average.

Best Bets for this Game

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This is going to be a great game between two great teams looking to improve in their divisions. The Maple Leafs look to win on the road but the Flames look to bounce back from a few rough losses and control this game. The Flames should constantly find the back of the net with Nazem Kadri, Elias Lindholm, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with great puck movement. The Flames should also bounce back after allowing four goals in their last game and limit the Maple Leafs' offense with Rasmus Andersson, Noah Hanifin, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jacob Markstrom to make plenty of big saves. The Flames should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.

Take the Flames money line as home Favorites.

Prediction: Flames (-110)

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Both teams have been led by their offenses and the upcoming game should reflect that with both forward units finding the back of the net throughout the game. The Maple Leafs, who average 3.45 goals per game, should create plenty of scoring chances with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. The Flames, who average 3.15 goals per game, should run up the score with Nazem Kadri, Tyler Toffoli, Elias Lindholm, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the rush and creating open shots with great puck movement while Rasmus Andersson generates shots on the net from the blue line. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both offenses stepping up.

Take the Over on 6.5 goals.

Prediction: Over 6.5

Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.