We’ve got 14 games on the betting slate tonight, including a cross-conference clash between the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
The Ducks are horrendous defensively and are on the second leg of a back-to-back. This feels like a good spot for a get-right game for Toronto’s struggling offense, and Auston Matthews should be leading the charge.
Find out why in my free Maple Leafs vs. Ducks predictions and NHL picks for Thursday, December 12.
Maple Leafs vs Ducks prediction
My Leafs pick
Auston Matthews Over 1.5 points (+120 at Sports Interaction)
My Leafs analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs are hosting the Anaheim Ducks tonight, who are coming off a 5-1 drubbing courtesy of the Ottawa Senators last night. Meanwhile, the Leafs enter on a winning note after skirting by the Devils on Tuesday.
Despite the win, the Maple Leafs need a bounce-back performance after the egg they laid in Jersey, and this is a matchup that Toronto should be able to take full advantage of and run up the score.
The Buds have won three in a row against Anaheim for a combined score of 18-3. The last meeting between these two ended 9-2 in favor of the Leafs, with Auston Matthews leading the way with a hat trick and a couple of helpers.
I expect a big night from AM34 again this evening.
Matthews already has three multi-point games since returning from his injury six games ago and showed some signs of returning to form against the Devils with his strong skating. He got multiple breakaways in the win, finally cashing in on one to end the game in overtime.
I think the efforts he displayed late in that game will springboard his season, and a matchup against the Ducks, who are on the second night of a back-to-back and playing their fifth game in eight days, is just the opponent he needs to fill the stat sheet and gain that confidence back.
Historically, Matthews has thrived in this matchup. He’s got nine goals and 18 points in just 10 games. If the Buds’ are to light up the scoreboard early and often tonight, I do expect Matthews to be a big part of that.
The Ducks are the most susceptible team in the NHL when it comes to giving up quality and quantity of chances. Anaheim is dead-last in expected goals against and expected goal percentage (43% xGF) while giving up the second-most scoring chances (31.03) at 5-on-5 and the most high-danger chances (13.37) in the NHL. Matthews ranks second in the league in high-danger chances per 60 minutes, so this should have Matthews & Co. salivating.
Anaheim’s penalty kill has been inefficient lately, allowing six power-play goals in their last five games for a kill rate of just 62.5%. So here’s another spot where Matthews can pick up a point or two.
Maple Leafs vs Ducks same-game parlay (SGP)
Auston Matthews anytime goal
Auston Matthews 3+ shots on goal
Maple Leafs -1.5
For the first leg of our SGP, we’ll mirror with our best bet and take Matthews to score an anytime goal tonight. The Ducks are one of the worst defensive teams in the NHL and have a struggling power play. A former 69-goal scorer should feast on opponents like this. He has nine goals in 10 career games against Anaheim.
The second leg will focus on Matthews’ shot prop as we’ll take him to record 3+ shots on net. He’s recorded at least three shots in four of his last five games. Considering the Ducks rank 31st in shots allowed (34.8 per game), there should be ample opportunity for him to put rubber on the goalie.
For the final leg, we’ll take the Leafs to win on the puckline. Toronto is 12-3 on the puckline this year and has been dominant at home, going 12-3 and allowing an average of just 2.00 goals against per game.
Goal scoring is the biggest hindrance for this Anaheim team, as they average the second-lowest goals scored mark in the league (2.37). Since I’m anticipating an offensive outburst from Toronto tonight, the Leafs should be able to win big.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Maple Leafs vs Ducks odds
Maple Leafs vs Ducks live odds
Maple Leafs vs Ducks opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto -1.5 | Anaheim +1.5
- Moneyline: Toronto -372 | Anaheim +307
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Maple Leafs vs Ducks trend
The Leafs are 8-2 on the moneyline in the last 10 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Ducks.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Ducks
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-12-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet Ontario |
Maple Leafs vs Ducks latest injuries
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