The New Jersey Devils (26-15-5) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (27-16-2) meet Thursday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Devils vs. Maple Leafsodds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Maple Leafs lead 2-0; Toronto won 4-2 and 2-1 in New Jersey, cashing as an underdog in each game as the Under also cashed in each outing
The Devils lost 2-1 in a shootout against the Florida Panthers Tuesday, slipping to 2-4-2 in the past 8 outings. The Under has cashed in 7 in a row, averaging just 1.8 goals per game (GPG) in the past 8 games, while allowing 2.6 GPG in the previous 7 outings.
The Maple Leafs lost 4-1 at home against the Dallas Stars Tuesday, dropping their third consecutive game. Toronto has scored just 4 goals in the skid, while allowing 13 goals. The Under is on a 4-1 run in the past 5 games, and 6-2 in the previous 8 contests.
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Devils at Maple Leafs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:18 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Devils -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Maple Leafs +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Devils -1.5 (+200) | Maple Leafs +1.5 (-250)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Devils at Maple Leafs projected goalies
Jacob Markstrom (21-8-4, 2.15 GAA, .913 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Joseph Woll (14-8-0, 2.65 GAA, .908 SV%, 1 SO)
Markstrom has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 15 straight starts since Nov. 29 in Detroit. He posted an 8-1-1 mark with a 1.30 GAA and .937 SV% with 2 SO in 10 starts in December, while going 2-1-2 with a 2.13 GAA and .917 SV% in 5 January outings.
Markstrom faced the Maple Leafs just once this season, allowing 4 goals on 22 shots in a 4-2 loss Oct. 10 in Newark.
Woll has been very ordinary in January, despite winning 3 of 5 starts. He has a 3.22 GAA and .895 SV%, allowing 4 or more goals in 3 of his past 4 outings. He has yet to face the Devils so far this season.
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Devils at Maple Leafs picks and predictions
Prediction
Devils 4, Maple Leafs 2
Moneyline
The DEVILS (-120) have lost the first 2 meetings with the Maple Leafs (+100) this season, but a lot has changed since October.
New Jersey is playing very good hockey over the past 2 months, and we highlighted the success of Markstrom in that span.
Toronto has had a lot of trouble lighting the lamp lately, going for 2.0 GPG in the past 5 games, including just a single goal in the past 2 outings.
Puck line/Against the spread
The DEVILS -1.5 (+200) are worth a roll of dice for the chance to double up.
The Maple Leafs +1.5 (-250) have lost by 3 goals in each of their last 3 outings. So, if you like New Jersey to win, you should like it to cover the puck line, too.
Over/Under
OVER 5.5 (-115) is a risky play given the problems Toronto has had on offense lately, but it has been very giving, too. The Maple Leafs have allowed 13 goals in the 3-game losing streak, or 4.3 GPG.
New Jersey hasn’t scored 4 or more goals since Dec. 27 against the Carolina Hurricanes. It’s tough to bet against a 7-game Under streak, which the Devils have, but they’re certainly due for an Over.
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