Ducks vs Maple Leafs Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Matthews Can't Be Tamed at Home

Auston Matthews has been on an absolute tear at home this season, registering a goal in as many games played at Scotiabank Arena. Read more as the Toronto captain headlines our Ducks vs. Maple Leafs betting picks.

Mike DiStefano - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Mike DiStefano • Betting Analyst
Feb 17, 2024 • 16:52 ET • 4 min read
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This article contains predictions for an old game!

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We’ve got 13 games on the NHL docket tonight, including a cross-conference clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Anaheim Ducks.

The NHL odds like Toronto to win big tonight, which means it could be point night for the Buds with Auston Matthews leading the charge.

Find out why in my free NHL picks for Ducks vs. Leafs on Saturday, February 17.

Ducks vs Maple Leafs odds

Ducks vs Maple Leafs predictions

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks will play for the second and final time this season tonight at Scotiabank Arena. The first meeting ended in a 2-1 victory for the Leafs, with Auston Matthews scoring the overtime winner on his 13th shot of the hockey game. 

The Leafs have won six of their last eight contests and enter this one on a three-game winning streak on home ice. Matthews has scored a whopping 10 goals in those eight games, including a hat trick in his last matchup against the Flyers.

An Auston Matthews anytime goal bet has been one of the most consistent and best bets on the board all season long. He leads the league with 45 goals through 51 games, averaging a goal a game on home ice with 25 tallies in 25 games at home, and will look to make it 26 this evening. 

The matchup is juicy for him to do it, too.

The Ducks are not a very good team, as indicated by their 19-32-2 record. They give up a high amount of shots per game (32.8) and high-danger chances (13.95/60), which has resulted in the sixth-highest goals-against average in the league this season (3.42).

Additionally, Anaheim is most likely going to trot out rookie backup Lucas Dostal to make the start tonight with John Gibson injured. All of these factors should have Matthews salivating as the rocket frontrunner and one of the league's highest-volume shooters, with 221 shots registered this season.

Even further, 82 of those shots have been classified as high-danger scoring chances according to NHL Edge, which ranks sixth in the league. If you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward play, consider Matthews to score the first goal of the game at +650.

My best bet: Auston Matthews anytime goal (-150 at SIA)

Ducks vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay

Auston Matthews anytime goal

Leafs team total Over 3.5

First team to score: Leafs

Along with my best bet, I like the Leafs to go Over their team total of 3.5 goals. They’ve averaged four goals over their last four games and have scored 3.58 goals per game on home ice this season. Meanwhile, the Ducks have given up a five-spot in two of their last three and give up 3.58 goals a night on the road. This should lead to a successful offensive night for Toronto.

For my final leg, let’s keep with the theme of the Leafs offense and roll with Toronto to score the first goal of the contest. The Buds have scored first in 56% of their matches, while the Ducks have surrendered the first goal in 58% of their games.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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Ducks vs Maple Leafs moneyline and Over/Under analysis

The Maple Leafs come into tonight as heavy home ice favorites at -350, with the Ducks entering as +270 road dogs. The Leafs are the better team in pretty much every aspect and have won eight of the last 10 meetings. 

Nevertheless, the moneyline doesn't offer much value, and with five of the last 10 games between these two teams requiring overtime, I'm hesitant to consider a puck line play.

The total for tonight’s game is set at 6.5 goals, shading towards the Over at -115, while the Under is at -105. Historically, the Over is 7-3 in the last 10 contests between these two teams, and it's hit in three of the last four matches.

Ducks vs Maple Leafs betting trend to know

The Ducks are 28-25 against the spread this season. Find more NHL betting trends for Ducks vs. Maple Leafs.

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Ducks vs Maple Leafs game info

Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Puck drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBC, BSSD

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Mike DiStefano - Covers
Betting Analyst

Mike DiStefano joins Covers after a successful five-year stint with TSN. Distefano hosted Leafs Lunch, a Toronto Maple Leafs-centric radio show which featured a daily best bets segment where he found the biggest and best value plays of the night. He was also a weekly staple on TSN's flagship radio/tv show "OverDrive" as a betting analyst during their NFL picks segment #TeamAl-DogForever.

A graduate of Centennial College’s Sports Journalism program, Mike has also contributed to the Canadian Baseball Network, FanSided, and The Hockey News.

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