The Toronto Maple Leafs (22-8-6) wrap up a 3-game road trip against the Colorado Avalanche (19-12-3) at Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Maple Leafs saw their 3-game win streak go up in smoke with a 6-3 loss to the Arizona Coyotes at tiny Mullett Arena Thursday. The Leafs have scored 3 or more goals in 4 straight games, but have allowed 13 total goals in the past 3 outings, cashing the Over in each.
The Avalanche were dropped 5-4 in a shootout against the visiting Los Angeles Kings Thursday, easily cashing the Over. Colorado was also topped by the Coyotes in Arizona, losing 6-3 on Tuesday, so it is on a mini 2-game slide.
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Maple Leafs at Avalanche odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:57 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Avalanche +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175) | Avalanche +1.5 (-240)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Maple Leafs at Avalanche projected goalies
Ilya Samsonov (11-3-0, 2.20 GAA, .920 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (15-7-3, 2.53 GAA, .919 SV%, 2 SO)
Samsonov has been on a roll in December, going 4-1-0 with a 2.38 GAA and .913 SV% with a pair of shutouts in 5 starts. He has won 7 of his past 8 starts since the start of November.
Georgiev has allowed 9 goals on 59 shots in his past 2 outings, going 0-1-1 with a shootout loss against the Kings, and a regulation loss to the Coyotes. He is 5-4-2 with a 2.59 GAA and .909 SV% with a shutout in 11 starts in December.
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Maple Leafs at Avalanche picks and predictions
Prediction
Avalanche 4, Maple Leafs 3
Moneyline
The AVALANCHE (+105) are short ‘dogs at home, and that’s a tremendous bargain for bettors. Take advantage.
While the Maple Leafs are 8-1 in their last 9 against Western Conference teams, remember, that blemish was against the lowly Coyotes last time out.
The Avalanche are still 68-22 in the past 90 games in the Mile High City, a winning percentage of .756. Colorado is also 4-1 in the past 5 when playing on a day of rest.
Puck line/Against the spread
While the Avalanche are worth a look straight up, avoid the home side on the puck line. You can’t risk nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return for a little insurance.
It’s a little scary that the Maple Leafs are 7-3 in the past 10 trips to Denver, and the road team is also 8-3 in the past 11 meetings in this series. But Colorado should get back on track with a win.
PASS.
Over/Under
OVER 6.5 (+100) is the best play on the board.
The Over is a whopping 7-1-1 in the past 9 meetings in this series, with the Over cashing in 11 straight meetings in the Mile High City.
The Over is 4-1 in the past 5 games for the Leafs, while going 35-15-3 in their past 53 road outings. The Over is also 4-0 in the past 4 against Western Conference foes.
The Avs have had a difficult time scoring lately, and the Under has been the rule. However, wacky games with high-scoring lines follow when they face the Leafs.
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