Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (22-20-6) close out a Canada road trip Saturday with a 7 p.m. ET game against the Toronto Maple Leafs (25-16-7) at Scotiabank Arena. We analyze the Blackhawks-Maple Leafs odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blackhawks at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Frederik Andersen

Crawford owns a 3.00 goals against average and .908 save percentage. He stopped 32 of 33 against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday and has logged a .933 SV% over his last three starts.

Andersen owns a 2.80 GAA and .912 SV% through 38 games. He has logged a 3.73 GAA and .893 SV% in six January games, but he yielded just one goal on 32 shots in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames Thursday. The veteran netminder has been undone a bit on the penalty kill, were he has sported a .854 SV%. Andersen is the last line of defense for a Toronto team giving up more shots of late and allowing a 25% power-play conversion rate over the team’s last 11 games.


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Blackhawks at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 5, Chicago 4

Moneyline (ML)

Chicago is thus far 2-0 on its three-city Canadian tour (Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto). Overall, the Blackhawks have won three straight and nine of its last 14 games. Over those 13 games, the ‘Hawks allowed 3.0 goals per game and that’s on the heels of yielding 4.1 GPG from Nov. 29-Dec. 18 (11 games). Possession and shot-quality analytics are not in support of Chicago’s recent surge and those same peripherals are bullish on Toronto despite the Maple Leafs going just 1-4 over their last five games.

Saturday’s game marks the front end of a back-to-back for the ‘Hawks, who have struggled in such situations. Chicago is 3-6 in front-end games. In this scenario, there could also be some look-ahead letdown. After the Toronto game, the ‘Hawks go home for two ahead of next week’s all-star break and then their bye week. Make a small-to-moderate-confidence play on TORONTO (-209).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Away from home, the Blackhawks are 15-8 against the puck line. And the Leafs have a near-mirror image of that with a 9-15 mark at home.

Again, there are some underlying peripherals making Chicago (+1.5, -149) a fade. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams have leaned toward the Over in recent games, and there are a slew of trends pointing the same way. The Over is 4-1 across the last five games in the Chicago-Toronto series. There is excellent leverage in the OVER 6.5 (-106).

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New Jersey Devils (17-21-7) and Toronto Maple Leafs (24-16-6) will tangle at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Devils at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Louis Domingue vs. Frederik Andersen

It’s hard to imagine that the Devils get away from Domingue, who has posted consecutive victories against the Washington Capitals on the road and the Tampa Bay Lightning at home, snapping their 10-game winning streak. In three appearances in January he has a 2-0-0 record, 1.24 goals against average and a .959 save percentage in his two starts and three appearances. If Mackenzie Blackwood is in the crease, he’ll bring a 1-2-1 record with a 3.88 GAA and .891 SV% in four January starts.

Andersen is 21-8-5 with a 2.82 GAA and a .912 SV%, but the All-Star has struggled in the month of January. He has allowed three or more goals in each of his four outings this month, including four goals on just 12 shots in Florida Sunday before being pulled early in the second period.


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Devils at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 5, Devils 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Maple Leafs (-278) are too expensive, especially the way Andersen has been tending net recently. If anything, the Devils (+220) are worth a roll of the dice, as they’ve been giant killers lately. Still, the best idea is to AVOID.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Devils ML will profit $22 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +105) are a little better than even money laying the goal and a half, so if you are feeling a Toronto resurgence following its beatdown in Florida, by all means this is the way to go. I don’t love it, but I’d play a small-unit wager on the home side considering the Devils are 0-4 in the past four meetings, and 1-5 in the past six trips to Toronto.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+100) is where it’s at, going 8-3-3 in the previous 14 meetings in this series. The Over is also 4-1 in Toronto’s past five at home, 4-1 in the past five as a favorite and 7-1 in the previous eight against Metropolitan Division foes.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (24-15-6) and Florida Panthers (23-16-5) lock horns at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. at 7 p.m. ET Sunday. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Maple Leafs at Panthers: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Chris Driedger

The all-star Andersen heads into this one with a 21-8-5 record, 2.74 goals against average and .914 save percentage with a shutout this season. He hasn’t faced the Panthers in 2019-20, but he was 2-0-1 with a 3.29 GAA and .895 save percentage in three appearances vs. Florida last season.

Driedger has started to carve into Sergei Bobrovsky‘s playing time lately, as the huge free-agent has had some issues with consistency that the team hopes will be ironed out by a little more rest. Driedger is 4-2-0 with a 2.16 GAA and .935 save percentage with a shutout, as he has came out of nowhere to eat into the highly-paid Bobrovsky’s workload while sending top prospect Sam Montembeault back to the minors.


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Maple Leafs at Panthers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 5, Panthers 3

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-121) are a strong play with the Andersen in the crease against Driedger. Yes, the latter has been playing well, but he isn’t on the same level as Freddie. The only concern is the Panthers have won five straight home games against the Leafs, so go lightly, although the favorite is 5-2 in the past seven meetings.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Maple Leafs ML will profit $8.26 if they win in regulation, overtime or a shootout.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +220) are a tempting play at this price level, only because you can double your money if they win by 2 or more goals. I’d go really, really lightly here.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 7.5 (+165) is an interesting play. Both teams have been rather challenged defensively, and you can get some decent plus-money playing this line. The Over is 4-1 in the past five head-to-head meetings while going 6-2 in Toronto’s past eight overall and 25-10-2 in Florida’s past 37 on home ice. The ‘regular’ total is OVER 6.5 (-110), if you want to play it a little safer.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Winnipeg Jets at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Winnipeg Jets at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Winnipeg Jets (23-16-4) and Toronto Maple Leafs (24-15-5) will do battle at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Jets-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Jets at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Connor Hellebuyck vs. Michael Hutchinson

Hellebuyck is the projected starter, and he puts his 19-12-4 record, 2.69 goals against average and .920 save percentage on the line. He earned a victory in Montreal on Monday night, stopping 29 of the 31 shots. However, he surrendered five goals on just 17 shots Jan. 2 in Winnipeg and was pulled by head coach Paul Maurice after two periods in favor of Laurent Brossoit.

Hutchinson is 3-6-1 with a 3.68 GAA and .892 save percentage overall, which isn’t terribly impressive. However, he has won three straight starts, including a shutout in his most recent assignment. He came on for Frederik Andersen on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers after the latter allowed three goals on 19 shots in 21:45 of ice time. Hutchinson originally came up through the Jets organization, so this will be extra special for him.


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Jets at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 5, Jets 3

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-189) are heavily favored to bounce back after having their 9-0-1 run interrupted by the Oilers on Monday, falling 6-4. The Jets (+155) are just 2-5 in the past seven overall, and 1-6 in their past seven against teams with a winning overall mark.

New to sports betting? Every $1.89 wagered on the Maple Leafs ML will profit $1 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +135) are the play. However, I have a bit of a sour taste in my mouth after betting it and losing outright against the Oilers. Bettors have to have short memories, though, you know?

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+100) is the best bet in this game. The Over has connected in 11 of the previous 15 battles at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and 12 of the past 15 games overall in this series, including the battle last week at MTS Centre in Winnipeg.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Edmonton Oilers (22-17-5) and Toronto Maple Leafs (24-14-5) square off at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET Monday (on NBCSN). We analyze the Oilers-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Oilers at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Mike Smith vs. Frederik Andersen

Smith is expected to make the start in Connor McDavid’s only visit to his hometown of Toronto. Smith enters with an 8-9-3 record, 3.01 goals against average (GAA) and .897 save percentage with one shutout. He snapped a personal five-game skid with a 4-1 win vs. the Boston Bruins Saturday, stopping 35 of 36 shots.

The All-Star Andersen puts his 21-8-4 record with a 2.67 GAA and .916 save percentage and one shutout on the line. His recent play has been the opposite of Smith, as he is 6-0-1 across his past seven appearances, while the Leafs are 9-0-1 in their past 10 outings to surge in the Atlantic Division.


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Oilers at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 5, Oilers 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Maple Leafs (-223) are too expensive at this price level, even though they’re at home, even though they have a red-hot goaltender, and even though they’re putting up huge offensive totals. This marquee game with big-time offense on both sides could go either way, although I expect Toronto’s hot streak to continue.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +110) are worth a roll of the dice in what is sure to be a game featuring fire-wagon hockey. Toronto’s defense, or lack thereof, is concerning, but the offense has been on point lately, as has Andersen in the crease.

The Oilers (+1.5, -134) have won just four of their past 13 games overall, while going 2-6 in the past eight against the Atlantic Division. They’re also 3-8 in the past 11 as an underdog. More importantly, they’re 6-20 in the past 26 battles with the Leafs, and 0-7 in their past seen trips to Toronto.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+110) will fetch plus-money, but it’s the way to go here. Yes, the under is 4-0-1 in Edmonton’s past five road games, and 7-3-1 in Toronto’s past 11 at home. But Smith can be beaten frequently, and the Toronto offense is red-hot.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Islanders (25-11-3) and Toronto Maple Leafs (23-14-5) square off at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Islanders-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Islanders at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Michael Hutchinson

Varlamov will be in the crease to face the Maple Leafs, putting his impressive 14-4-3 record, 2.41 goals against average and .921 save percentage on the line. He picked up a win against the Leafs Nov. 13, but he allowed four goals on 27 shots, so it wasn’t a dominating performance.

Hutchinson enters Saturday off of rare back-to-back victories and is now 2-5-1 for the season. He has a .883 SV% and 4.03 GAA, and he gave up four goals on 28 shots in his last start against the New Jersey Devils Dec. 27.


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Islanders at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Islanders 3

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-175) are looking for revenge against the Islanders, and they’re going to get it at home. They have won eight of their last nine games overall, and they’re 5-1 in the past six against Eastern Conference foes. The Islanders (+145) have won just once in the past five trips to Hogtown.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line is tempting for the Leafs (-1.5, +155), but I expect this to be a one-goal game, perhaps decided in overtime or a shootout. However, the Islanders (+1.5, -189) are just too expensive on the other end. That’s too much chalk to eat.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-133) is a strong play, as you can expect some fire-wagon hockey in this one featuring two high-powered offenses. Plus, the Over is 10-2 in the previous 12 meetings in Toronto.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Rangers (18-15-4) and Toronto Maple Leafs (21-14-4) will lock horns at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Rangers-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Rangers at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev vs. Frederik Andersen

Georgiev is expected to get the nod after Henrik Lundqvist shut down the Carolina Hurricanes for the third time this season Friday night. With the back-to-back and a heavy workload for the King, Georgiev is expected to play. He is 9-7-1 with a 2.93 goals against average and .915 save percentage with two shutouts. Georgiev is looking to avenge a loss Dec. 20 against the Leafs at Madison Square Garden.

Andersen has posted a 19-8-3 record with a 2.64 goals against average and .916 save percentage, as he has single-handedly kept the Leafs in the mix. If not for his heroics in the crease, who knows where the Blue and White would be.


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Rangers at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 6, Rangers 4

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-238) are worth a small-unit play here, as the Rangers (+190) are 10-4 in the past 14 trips to Toronto, but just 2-5 in the previous seven meetings in this series. The Blueshirts are also just 4-10 in the past 14 games when working on no rest while going 1-7 in the past eight vs. Atlantic Division foes.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Maple Leafs (-1.5, +115) have a chance to cover the puck line, and that’s the way to roll if you want to play this game. However, the defensive lapses of the Leafs lately make them risky business. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is the way to go in this one, cashing in nine of the past 11 meetings at Scotiabank Arena. The Over is also 6-0-1 in New York’s past seven overall, and 4-1 in Toronto’s past five overall.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Detroit Red Wings (9-24-3) and Toronto Maple Leafs (18-14-4) lock horns at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Red Wings-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Red Wings at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Bernier vs. Michael Hutchinson

Bernier carries a 7-10-2 record, 3.26 goals against average and .896 save percentage into action. He allowed three goals on 40 shots in a 6-0 loss against the Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena back on Nov. 27.

Hutchinson carries an 0-5-1 record, 4.55 GAA and .876 save percentage into action in this one. He has allowed four or more goals in each of his past five appearances, and all six of his starts this season.


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Red Wings at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Red Wings 5, Maple Leafs 4

Moneyline (ML)

The RED WINGS (+225) are worth a roll of the dice on the road, as the Maple Leafs (-286) haven’t had a lot of success with Hutchinson in the crease. You certainly cannot trust the home side with their winless backup.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Red Wings to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $22.50 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The RED WINGS (+1.5, +100) are still offering plus-money on the puck line if you’re not quite feeling the last-place team and want a little insurance in the event of a loss. They’ll just need to stay within 1 goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+120) is a big number, but with Hutchinson in between the pipes, it’s the play. The Over is 5-2 in the past seven meetings in this series, and 19-6-1 in Toronto’s past 26 against Eastern Conference foes.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (17-14-4) visit the New York Rangers (16-13-4) Friday at Madison Square Garden for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Andersen owns a 2.51 goals against average and .920 save percentage in 28 games. The 30-year-old has been terrific on the road (.927 SV%). In his last road turn (Dec. 14 at Edmonton Oilers), Andersen bounced back from a shaky Dec. 12 start to turn aside 36 of 37 shots. He has registered a .932 SV% since Nov. 21.

Georgiev has posted a 2.72 GAA and .920 SV in 16 games (15 starts), but the 23-year-old Bulgarian netminder has logged a few clunkers since a hot start. After notching a .933 SV% over his first six games, Georgiev has had three games allowing five or more goals while posting a .913 SV%. He owns a .850 mark over his last two games.


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Maple Leafs at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 4, New York 2

Moneyline (ML)

Toronto has been the sharper team over the last week. The Leafs have exhibited a bit more offensive firepower and consistency of late, and they have a more solid and well-rounded puck possession base. Posting a few three-goal wins away from home the last two weeks has been impressive.

The Maple Leafs are 8-4 since Sheldon Keefe took over behind the bench for the fired Mike Babcock.

Take the MAPLE LEAFS (-167) on the moneyline.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The New York power play has struggled since posting decent numbers through the first month of the season. The Rangers have 10 goals over their last 62 chances with an extra skater (16.1%). Andersen has been outstanding in 5-on-5 play.

The Rangers are 3-5 ATS over their last eight games. I’ll play TORONTO (-1.5, +155). The Leafs have a big advantage in recent puck-possession analytics and a favorable goaltending matchup.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS on the Under 6.5 (-139). There’s no good value/probability on either side.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Buffalo Sabres (16-11-7) make the short trek north to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (16-14-4) in a Tuesday Atlantic Division tilt at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Maple Leafs odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sabres at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Frederik Andersen

Hutton owns a 3.05 goals against average and .901 save percentage and is the lesser half of the Sabres’ goaltending tandem this season. Hutton has only appeared in one other game this December, and it was one to forget, with six goals allowed on 30 shots against the Vancouver Canucks Dec. 7. The 33-year-old owns a lowly .864 SV% over his last six contests. He has logged a 3.65 GAA and .892 SV% on the road.

Andersen owns a 2.49 GAA and .921 SV%. Toronto’s top netminder stopped 29 of 30 shots against Buffalo Nov. 30, and he registered a 2.60 GAA, .929 SV% in three starts against the Sabres a year ago. Andersen has been sharp of late, posting a .933 SV% over his last eight games.


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Sabres at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 4, Buffalo 2

Moneyline (ML)

An analytic read of Toronto’s shot and goal splits reveals a Maple Leafs club which should be yielding fewer even-strength goals and one which as perhaps had some sideways puck luck on scoring chances, especially plays near the door step. An improving penalty kill won’t hurt – the Leafs have killed 76% of opponent chances overall but 89% since Nov. 27.

TORONTO (-200) is the lean here, albeit a bit of an expensive one.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Both teams have been off since Saturday, so this one should offer the best both have to give. Tuesday’s affair marks the second in a three-game road stretch for the Sabres. Buffalo has fallen off since starting the season 8-1-1, so the Sabres really should be approached as a sub-.500 club.

PASS  on the Maples Leafs’ (-1.5, +135) puck line, Buffalo is 12-6 ATS over 18 road games. Toronto is just 4-11 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is a lean, but a PASS is recommended on the line of 5.5 (-154).

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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