Scotiabank Arena plays host to an intriguing matchup as the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to face the visiting Buffalo Sabres. The game will get going at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 30, and you’ll be able to see this Atlantic Division matchup live on CBC Sports.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Odds
Toronto (-235) is favored over Buffalo (+195), and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 7 goals. If you want to play this game’s total, you’ll be looking at odds of -105 for the over and -115 for the under.
The Maple Leafs are 12-15 straight up (SU) and have spited moneyline bettors to the tune of -5.3 units so far. That early-season winning percentage is a big slide from what the team managed during last year’s regular season (46-36). Of its 27 games this season, 14 have gone over the total, while 11 have gone under and just one has pushed. Thus far, the team is 6-7 SU at home.
Toronto’s converted on 18.5 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 26th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 74.4 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Toronto has been whistled for penalties 3.4 times per game overall this season, and 2.2 per game over its last five match ups. The team’s had to defend opposition power plays for just 5.2 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, overall.
Sporting a .919 save percentage and 28.9 saves per game, Frederik Andersen (12-8-3) has been the most dependable goalkeeper for the Maple Leafs this year. If the Leafs decide to give him a rest, however, the team could roll with the winless Michael Hutchinson (0-7-7 record, .876 save percentage, 4.55 goals against average).
Auston Matthews and William Nylander will both be offensive focal points for the Maple Leafs. Matthews (30 points) has tallied 16 goals and 14 assists and has recorded two or more points nine times this year. Nylander has nine goals and 12 assists to his name and has notched a point in 17 games.
Buffalo has lost 2.0 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far and is currently 12-14 straight up (SU). Through 26 regular season outings, 13 of its games have gone under the total, while 12 have gone over and none have pushed. Buffalo’s 5-8 SU as the road team this season.
Buffalo has converted on 18.1 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 23rd overall and it’s successfully killed off 75.6 percent of all penalties.
Buffalo’s players have been called for penalties 3.7 times per game this season, and 4.4 per game over their last five on the road. The team’s been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 8.2 minutes per game over their last five outings.
Linus Ullmark (30.5 saves per game) has been the main option in goal for Buffalo. Ullmark owns a 6-7-2 record, and has registered a .911 save percentage and 3.00 goals against average this year.
Jack Eichel (16 goals, 18 assists) will pace the attack for the visiting Sabres.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Free Picks
Pick: SU Winner – Maple Leafs, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- Buffalo is 1-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while Toronto is 1-2 in shootouts.
- For both of these clubs, the total has gone under in three of their past five outings.
- Buffalo has attempted 31.2 shots per contest overall this season (ranked 17th in the NHL), and 33.9 in its last 10 outings.
- Buffalo skaters created 19.1 hits per game last season, while the Maple Leafs logged 18.8 hits per matchup.
