Game Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Anaheim Ducks
In a matchup set for Thursday, March 12 at Scotiabank Arena, the Toronto Maple Leafs will play host to the Anaheim Ducks, with the teams experiencing vastly different fortunes this season. While the Ducks are currently on an impressive run, contending vigorously for a playoff spot, the Maple Leafs find themselves struggling as they navigate through a disappointing stretch of games.
Recent Performance
Recent performance indicates that a close and low-scoring game could be on the horizon. Over the past 20 games, Toronto has struggled defensively, yielding an alarming average of 4.2 goals per game. Their offensive production has also dried up, scoring only 2.5 goals on average, correlating with a broader record of just 4 wins against 12 losses and 4 overtime losses.
Betting Recommendations
Against this backdrop, my recommendation for the game is to bet on the Under at 6.5 goals, which is currently being offered at +105 odds. The Maple Leafs are up against the Anaheim Ducks, who are bolstered by a strong performance from their goaltender, Lukas Dostal. In his last 15 outings, he has maintained a .904 save percentage and leads the league with 16.23 goals saved above expectation. His effectiveness has been even more pronounced during away games, where he boasts a .939 save percentage.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs have allowed the highest number of shots per game at 33.8 during their recent rough patch, indicating that goaltender Joseph Woll will likely have plenty of action, particularly against a Ducks team averaging 29.3 shots per game in this timeframe. Woll himself has been making a mark lately, with 28 or more saves in six of his last nine games, including an impressive showing against the Canadiens where he recorded 30 saves and saved 1.79 goals above expectation.
Same-Game Parlay Suggestions
For a same-game parlay, consider the following bets:
- Under 6.5 goals
- Joseph Woll to make over 27.5 saves
- William Nylander, the Toronto winger, to record over 2.5 shots, as he has notched three or more shots in seven of his last 11 contests and averages a considerable 19:26 of ice time.
Betting Odds
As for betting odds, Anaheim Ducks are slightly favored at -105 on the Moneyline, with the Maple Leafs at -115. The puck line sees the Ducks at +1.5 (-245) and the Maple Leafs at -1.5 (+200). The betting trend has favored the Under, hitting in five of the Ducks’ last six games with a 63% return on investment, highlighting their recent tendency toward low-scoring outcomes.
Game Details
Fans can catch the action at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. Coverage will be available on TSN4.
Note: Betting odds are current as of publication and may fluctuate.
