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Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

March 9, 2024




The Toronto Maple Leafs (36-19-8) and Montreal Canadiens (24-29-10) square off in the Atlantic Division play for the second time this season on Saturday, March 9 at 7:00 PM ET at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. The Maple Leafs are appealing on the road with a puck line at -1.5 (+115).

Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview

The Maple Leafs are currently third in the Atlantic Division and need to find consistency against a rival. Their most recent battle was a 4-1 outing over the Boston Bruins, which put them at 3-2 for their previous five matchups.

They currently boast a 18-7-6 road record, showcasing their proficiency on the road. Leading the scoring charts, Auston Matthews has notched an impressive 54 goals this season, solidifying his position among the top performers.

Offensively, they maintain an average of 3.54 goals per game, launching 32.8 shots in each match. Power play statistics indicate 49 goals scored and 39 allowed, resulting in a noteworthy 27.5 power play percentage.

Defensively, they limit opponents to 3.14 goals and 29.7 shots per game, establishing an advantage over their offensive rivals. This balance between offense and defense provides them with a slight cushion. With a 77.5 penalty kill percentage, their defense proves formidable in critical situations.

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Canadiens have lost three out of their last five games and need to get back on track at home. Their latest battle was a 4-1 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes on the road, marking their fourth straight road battle.

Their home record stands at an intriguing 12-16-3, presenting a somewhat unattractive performance on their turf. Noteworthy is Nick Suzuki's impact, contributing 25 goals and holding the 33rd spot in the league's offensive rankings.

Their offensive strength is a bit lacking, as they maintain averages of 2.76 goals and 28.3 shots per game. In addition, their power play lacks dominance, scoring 38 goals with 54 allowed which results in an 18.6 power play percentage.

Defensively, the Canadiens concede an average of 3.49 goals and face 33.3 shots per game, creating a negative goal ratio. This defensive struggle contrasts with their offensive prowess, raising concerns about their overall chances of success. Furthermore, their penalty kill percentage comes up a bit short compared to that of their opponents, standing at 74.9.

Odds, Series Trends and Free Pick

Examining the most recent NHL wagering probabilities at MyBookie, the Toronto Maple Leafs present a favorable prospect when competing in their home arena. They exhibit a heightened appeal on the offensive front and possess the capability to consume additional time in attempting to execute successful shots. Look for the Maple Leafs to secure the victory on the road by at least two goals.

Final Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (+115)