We’ve got a busy NHL betting slate tonight with 15 games on tap, including an Original Six showdown between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre.
The Leafs are road favorites tonight after snapping their losing streak two nights ago, and my Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens predictions bank on the team building off that win — especially William Nylander.
Find out why in my free NHL picks for this January 18 matchup.
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens prediction
My Leafs pick
William Nylander Over 2.5 shots (-155 at Sports Interaction)
My Leafs analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Le Bell Province to take on the scorching-hot Montreal Canadiens, who have won eight of their last 10 games — sporting a +12 goal differential in that span.
However, the Habs have started to show some cracks in the armor defensively over the last three games, allowing an average of 31 shots on net.
I’m targeting this market for tonight's best bet, and William Nylander’s shot prop, set at a lowly 2.5 shots, offers tremendous value.
Nylander finally broke through in his last outing with a four-shot night, putting two past the netminder, including the OT winner. I think that game will serve as a jumpstart to get his season back on track after scoring just once in the 10 games prior, having hit the three-shot mark just twice since the New Year before the last game.
However, Nylander is one of the league leaders in shots on goal this season. He is ninth with an average of 3.26 shots per game, which is even below his four-year average of 3.48 shots per game.
Additionally, the Leafs' M.O. has been to shoot more. It’s the reason they came out firing against New Jersey, hurling 41 shots on net in their last game, Nylander with four of them. I expect a similar game plan tonight against a Montreal squad that has been playing well and has gotten quality goaltending lately.
Keep in mind, too, the Buds already have a 48-shot performance against this same Montreal squad on opening night and then a 27-shot game in the second matchup, where Nylander peppered the Habs with seven shots in that game.
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens same-game parlay (SGP)
William Nylander 3+ shota
Auston Matthews 3+ shots
Auston Matthews anytime goalscorer
Auston Matthews finally looks healthy again after a five-shot, two-goal performance against the Devils. He’s also hit this mark in 17 of the last 18 games vs. Montreal.
Not only does he shoot the lights out against the Habs, but the Leafs captain has scored more goals against Montreal than any other team in the league, scoring 27 snipes in 35 games and eight goals in his last 10 meetings.
He’s red-hot right now with six goals in seven games since returning from injury, and I think he will keep it up tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Maple Leafs vs Canadiens odds
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens live odds
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto -1.5 (+170) | Montreal +1.5 (-210)
- Moneyline: Toronto -150 | Montreal +125
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens trend
The Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these two clubs. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Canadiens
| Location: | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC |
| Date: | Saturday, 1-18-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBC |
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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