The Detroit Red Wings, led by Dylan Larkin and Gustav Nyquist, are ready to take the ice against Mitchell Marner, Morgan Rielly, and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena for an Original Six matchup. The opening face-off takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 23, and fans at home can catch the game live on Sportsnet.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Odds
Earning 4.3 units for moneyline bettors, Toronto is 24-12 straight up (SU) overall this year. That winning percentage, second-best in the league so far in this young season, is an improvement compared to what the team did during last year’s regular season (49-33). Among its 36 games this season, 17 have gone over the total, while 15 have gone under and just three have pushed. Thus far, the team’s 11-6 SU at home.
The Maple Leafs have converted on 23.7 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s good enough for 10th-best in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 16th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 79.8 percent of all penalties.
Sporting a .923 save percentage and 29.7 saves per game, Frederik Andersen (20 wins, 10 losses, and one OT loss) has been the most dependable option in goal for Toronto this season. Andersen did just play yesterday, however, so head coach Mike Babcock may choose to rest him and instead turn to Garret Sparks (4-3-3 record, .913 save percentage, 2.84 goals against average).
Over on the visiting bench, Detroit is 15-22 straight up (SU) and has earned 0.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 37 regular season outings, 17 of its games have gone over the total, while another 17 have gone under the total and just two have pushed. As the visiting team, the Red Wings are 7-10 SU so far.
The Red Wings have converted on 18.8 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 21st overall and it’s successfully defended 78.2 percent of all opponent power plays.
Jimmy Howard (29.5 saves per game) has been the primary choice in goal for Detroit. Howard has 10 wins, 14 losses, and four overtime losses to his credit, and has registered a .922 save percentage and 2.66 goals against average this year.
Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Predictions
Pick: SU Winner – Maple Leafs, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- Two of the Red Wings’ last ten games have ended in a shootout. The team is 0-2 in those games and 2-4 overall in shootouts this season.
- For both of these clubs, the total has gone over in three of their last five matches.
- Seven of Toronto’s last ten outings have been decided by two or more goals. The club is 5-2 overall in those games.
- Detroit skaters registered 19.6 hits per game last season, while the Maple Leafs posted 20.8 hits per matchup.
