We’ve got a 10-pack of games on the NHL betting slate today, including a cross-conference clash between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the United Center.
Chicago sits near the bottom of the league in shots allowed, so I’ll discuss Auston Matthews' shot prop in my Maple Leafs vs. Blackhawks predictions and NHL picks for February 23.
Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks prediction
My Leafs pick
Auston Matthews Over 3.5 shots (-150 at Sports Interaction)
My Leafs analysis
Both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks played Saturday night and had to take the red-eye to Chi-town, so there’s no rest advantage for either side heading into tonight’s second half of a back-to-back for both teams.
The Buds are coming off a 6-3 win against the Carolina Hurricanes, whereas Chicago fell to the spunky Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Hawks only gave up 21 shots in that game, albeit with quite a bit of time on the power play. That number gives more context because the Hawks were extremely leaky defensively in the 10 games before the Four Nations break, allowing an average of 36.8 shots on net in that stretch.
With both sides on a back-to-back, I suspect we'll see a few defensive breakdowns throughout the game, resulting in high shot totals.
The Maple Leafs are a middle-of-the-pack shot-generation team, averaging 28.6 shots per game. However, their superstars surely handle the bulk of that total.
Enter Auston Matthews.
The Maple Leafs captain leads the Leafs with 3.97 shots per game. That’s well past the total set for him tonight, which is 3.5 shots. It’s also a number he’s cleared in seven of his last nine outings.
Matthews has fared well against the Blackhawks throughout his career with 20 points in 15 games while averaging 4.6 shots per game in those meetings.
Considering Chicago is one of the worst defending teams in the NHL, ranking 30th in the league allowing 31.6 shots per game, I like Matthews’ chances of hitting the Over on his total tonight.
Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks same-game parlay (SGP)
Auston Matthews 4+ shots
Matthews anytime goalscorer
Maple Leafs moneyline
Matthews snapped a six-game goalless skid last night with an empty-netter, and usually goals come in bunches for the three-time Rocket Richard winner. Additionally, he scored in the first meeting this year and has eight goals in 15 games against the Hawks.
I think the Buds will win this game quite easily. Chicago has lost eight of its last 10 games, and Toronto has played great on the road lately, winning nine of its last 12 away from home with a +15 goal differential.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks odds
Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks live odds
Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto -1.5 (-105) | Chicago +1.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Toronto -250 | Chicago +200
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks trend
The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these two clubs. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Blackhawks.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Sunday, 2-23-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN4 |
Maple Leafs vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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