We’ve got nine games on the NHL betting slate tonight, including an Eastern Conference showdown between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils.
The NHL odds have Auston Matthews favored to score a goal in this one, and based on his recent success against New Jersey, I’ll be backing the three-time rocket winner to tickle the twine in my Maple Leafs vs. Devils predictions.
Find why in my free NHL picks for this October 10 matchup.
Maple Leafs vs Devils prediction
My best bet
Auston Matthews anytime goal (-105 at Sports Interaction)
My analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off a season-opening loss to the Montreal Canadiens, whereas the New Jersey Devils enter with a 2-0 record after back-to-back wins over Buffalo in Prague to start the year.
Toronto lost 1-0 to the Habs last night, but it was not for a lack of trying. The Buds peppered Montreal with 48 shots and had 5.2 expected goals, according to Natural Stat Trick. The Leafs are hoping to have a similar performance tonight but with a much better result.
Historically, the Maple Leafs have been the better of the two teams in this matchup, with Toronto winning seven of the last 10 meetings. However, a lot has changed between these franchises since last facing off.
The Leafs fired Sheldon Keefe and hired Craig Berube as their new head coach. Keefe then was promptly hired by the Devils to be their bench boss. So there will surely be a "revenge game" narrative for both sides to produce, which could result in a high-scoring affair.
There’s been a history of high-scoring games between these clubs with a combined 34 goals scored over the last four meetings, led by Matthews, who has a goal in each of those contests and has scored 13 times in the last 10 games against the Devils.
Granted, the Devils think they’ve solved the issues in the net with the addition of former Vezina finalist Jacob Markstrom, but Matthews has shown the ability to score on top goaltenders throughout his career and does have seven goals in 13 games against him.
After being held off the scoresheet last night in Montreal, AM34 should be motivated to tickle twine tonight to jumpstart what he hopes to be a fourth "Rocket Richard" winning campaign.
Plus, -105 is a bargain. We rarely saw Matthews priced that low last year.
Maple Leafs vs Devils same-game parlay (SGP)
Auston Matthews anytime goal
Over 6.5
Devils moneyline
Matthews has torched the Devils throughout his career with 18 goals in 18 games and will keep up that goal-per-game pace tonight.
Next up, I like this game to go Over 6.5 total goals. The Over has hit in four straight meetings between the two teams and seven of its last 10. Plus, the Leafs are on night two of a back-to-back with rookie goalie Dennis Hildeby making his NHL debut in net tonight. Meanwhile, the Devils are playing their first game since Prague and could be rusty after the time-zone change and lack of routine.
For my final leg, I do think the Devils win this game. Toronto has had a lot of success in the past against them, but the goalie mismatch combined with the Leafs playing a second away game in two nights is enough for me to back Jersey.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Maple Leafs vs Devils odds
Maple Leafs vs Devils live odds
Maple Leafs vs Devils opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto +1.5 (-210) | New Jersey -1.5 (+170)
- Moneyline: Toronto +115 | New Jersey -140
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115) | Under 6.5 (-105)
Maple Leafs vs Devils moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Maple Leafs are the underdog, getting +115 on the road, while the Devils (-140) are favored at home.
- Toronto has cashed the moneyline in seven of the last 10 meetings between the two teams.
- The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the Over slightly favored at -115, while the Under is paying -105.
- The total has closed at 6.5 in six straight games coming into tonight, with the Over hitting in four consecutive contests.
Maple Leafs vs Devils trend
The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between the Maple Leafs and the Devils. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Devils.
Maple Leafs vs Devils game info
| Location: | Prudential Center, Newark, NJ |
| Date: | Thursday, 10-10-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN4, MSG |
Maple Leafs vs Devils latest injuries
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