Two clubs that split their season series (one game apiece) last year, the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs face off at Scotiabank Arena. CBC Sports will air this East-West matchup, which gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Odds
Earning 3.5 units for moneyline bettors, the Maple Leafs are 26-14 straight up (SU) overall this year. That win percentage, the league’s second-strongest so far in this young season, is fairly close to what the team managed during the 2017-18 season (49-33). Of the team’s 40 games this season, 20 have gone over the total, while 17 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 12-8 SU at home this season.
Toronto’s converted on 22.4 percent of its power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 12th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 80.6 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Toronto has been penalized just 2.9 times per game overall this season, 2.6 per game over its last five games total, and 2.6 per game over its last five home outings. The team has been forced to stave off opposition power plays for just 6.6 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, in total.
Averaging 29.7 saves per game with a .923 save percentage, Frederik Andersen (20-10-1) has been the top option in goal for the Maple Leafs this season. If the Leafs choose to give him a rest, however, it may turn to Garret Sparks (6-4-4 record, .905 save percentage, 3.00 goals against average).
Mitchell Marner and John Tavares will both spearhead the attack for the Maple Leafs. Marner (55 points) has tallied 15 goals and 40 assists and has recorded multiple points on 17 separate occasions this year. Tavares has 26 goals and 20 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 28 games.
Vancouver has earned moneyline bettors 6.3 units this year and is currently 20-24 straight up (SU). A total of 21 of its contests have gone under the total, while 20 have gone over and just three have pushed. Vancouver’s 11-14 SU as the visiting team this season.
Vancouver has converted on 17.9 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 20th overall and it’s successfully killed off 78.0 percent of all opponent power plays.
Vancouver’s skaters have been called for penalties 3.9 times per game this season, 3.8 per game over their last five games total, and 3.8 per game over their last five road outings. The team’s been forced to kill penalties 9.8 minutes per game over their last five road outings.
Jacob Markstrom (28.5 saves per game) has been the main option in goal for Vancouver. Markstrom has 17 wins, 14 losses, and three OT losses to his credit, and has registered a .910 save percentage and 2.79 goals against average this year.
Elias Pettersson (22 goals, 20 assists) will lead the offensive attack for the visiting Canucks.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Predictions
Pick: SU Winner – Maple Leafs, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- For both of these clubs, the total has gone over in three of their last five games.
- Seven of Toronto’s last ten contests have been decided by two or more goals. The club is 5-2 overall in those games.
- Vancouver skaters recorded 21.3 hits per game last season, while the Maple Leafs accounted for 20.8 hits per matchup.
