We have a marquee clash between the Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Ball Arena tonight.
The Buds' power play has been on fire lately and has a great track record of success at Ball Arena, so I will gladly target John Tavares' PP point market in my Maple Leafs vs. Avalanche predictions.
Read all about it in the NHL picks for March 8 below.
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche prediction
My Leafs pick
John Tavares Over 0.5 power play points (+310 at Sports Interaction)
My Leafs analysis
The NHL trade deadline is behind us, and the final dash to the playoffs is upon us. Watching a cross-conference clash between two of the busier teams is a perfect way to spend a Saturday night.
The Colorado Avalanche have been one of the toughest teams to beat at 5-on-5 since acquiring goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. Still, the penalty kill has slipped a bit this season, ranking 14th with a 79% kill rate and middle-of-the-pack advanced metrics defensively while short-handed. Moreover, the Avs have surrendered seven power play goals in their last nine games.
The power play for the Toronto Maple Leafs has been red hot and has been a big reason for many of their recent wins. Toronto ranks third on the man-advantage since January 15 — converting on 33% of their opportunities — so that feels like a good spot to exploit in tonight’s betting market.
Enter John Tavares.
The 34-year-old veteran has excelled on the PP of late due to his enhanced role on the man advantage where the objective has been to shoot more, with Tavares attempting to tip pucks from the bumper position in the high slot.
This has increased Tavares' production on the man advantage since returning from the 4 Nations break with a team-high four power play points in that stretch, three of which are primary points, ranking third in the league since February 22.
Additionally, the Buds are no strangers to scoring PPGs on this bunch, particularly while in Colorado. Toronto has scored with an extra attacker in five straight games at Ball Arena, lighting the lamp eight times over that span.
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche same-game parlay (SGP)
John Tavares 2+ shots
Auston Matthews anytime goalscorer
Valeri Nichushkin 2+ shots
With Scott Laughton expected to make his Toronto debut, I anticipate Tavares’ line will receive more offensive zone duties than usual. That should give him an uptick in shot attempts with him already averaging 2.2 shots per game over his last 10 outings.
Auston Matthews has scored seven times in 10 meetings against the Avalanche. Additionally, the Leafs are averaging 3.93 goals per game.
Valeri Nichushkin has reached this number in three of his four games since returning to the lineup for Colorado and is the top shooting threat on the Avs second line. He averages 2.6 shots per game this season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Maple Leafs vs Avalanche odds
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche live odds
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto +1.5 (-200) | Colorado -1.5 (+165)
- Moneyline: Toronto +120 | Colorado -145
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche trend
The Over is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Avalanche
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Saturday, 3-8-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBC |
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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