The Nashville Predators are still in reach of the playoffs, as they are sitting just five points back of the second Wild Card position in the Western Conference. They had a tough loss at home yesterday, falling by a score of 7-2 to the Seattle Kraken, but they have won two out of their last three games.
The Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the Carolina Hurricanes yesterday down in Raleigh, but they’re going to have to put that behind them since this is such a quick turnaround.
The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings between these two teams, and tonight the Predators are a home underdog.
Find out my best bet in our free NHL picks and predictions for Predators vs. Maple Leafs on March 26.
Maple Leafs vs Predators best odds
Maple Leafs vs Predators picks and predictions
The Toronto Maple Leafs are essentially at the point where they know what their first round playoff matchup is going to be, so they are looking to ramp up their game in order to be as prepared as they can be once the postseason gets underway.
The Nashville Predators' roster is a little weak at the moment, but they have everything to play for since they still have an opportunity to make the playoffs. Both teams are playing the second night of a back-to-back, and starting goalies haven’t been announced just yet, but Nashville is definitely going to have a tough test in their defensive zone. The Maple Leafs have a high-flying offense that can make the Preds pay if they don’t limit their mistakes.
The Leafs have been a tad inconsistent lately, losing two out of their last three games, and they have only scored one power play goal in their last three games as well.
The Preds aren’t really an offensive juggernaut like the Leafs, but Matt Duchene and Luke Evangelista have each tallied three goals and two assists in their last five games, and they are driving the Predator offense right now. As a team, Nashville has scored 10 goals in its last three games.
I’m looking at this game as a situational bet, as the Predators have a lot to play for right now, and there is really good value here with them being the home team. I think they can take this one from the Leafs.
My best bet: Predators ML (+158 at SIA)
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Maple Leafs vs Predators moneyline analysis
The Maple Leafs were far and away the better team in their game against the Canes yesterday, but they didn’t get the puck luck in order to come away with the win. They haven’t been very strong defensively, allowing 14 goals in their last three games. Matt Murray has started the last two games in a row and Ilya Samsonov is still out, so there is a strong chance that Joseph Woll gets the start for the Leafs today.
The Predators are in a similar goaltending situation. Juuse Saros started the previous two games as well, so it is more than likely that Kevin Lankinen will get the nod today. He’s had a pretty solid year thus far, skating to a 8-6-1 record with a .917 SV% and a 2.70 GAA.
The first meeting of the season between the two teams back in January was a close one, as the Leafs pulled away with a 2-1 win, but Nashville had a very strong showing.
The Preds have been able to bounce back all year after having disappointing losses, as they are 5-0 in their last five games following a loss of three or more goals. They are alsp 6-0 after allowing five goals or more in their previous game.
It’s not going to be easy, but I think Nashville can squeeze it out.
Maple Leafs vs Predators Over/Under analysis
The Maple Leafs came out firing in Carolina yesterday, putting up 44 shots on goal against arguably the best defensive team in the NHL. Auston Matthews recorded two goals in that game as he continues to show why he is one of the greatest goal scorers in today’s game. He has tallied eight goals in his last 10 overall.
The Predators aren’t as scary of an offensive team, but they have found some ways to put the puck in the back of the net lately.
Toronto has been playing in some very high-scoring affairs, as they've hit the Over five straight times. Both teams are most likely turning to backup goalies in this game as well, so the battle in the blue paint won’t be as strong.
I’d expect to see some goal scoring in Nashville tonight.
Maple Leafs vs Predators betting trend to know
The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs Predators.
Maple Leafs vs Predators game info
| Location: | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
| Date: | Sunday, March 26, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, Bally South |
Maple Leafs vs Predators key injuries
