The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, March 19, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. Let’s dive into the details of this matchup and make our prediction for the game.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche (41-24-3, 30-38 ATS) have been in top form lately. Although their six-game winning streak was snapped with a shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild, they bounced back with wins over the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. The Avalanche are currently 3rd in the Central Division with 85 points, trailing the Stars by four and the top-ranked Jets by 13.
Offensively, Colorado is one of the best in the league, averaging 3.34 goals per game (5th). They also have a solid defensive showing, allowing 2.87 goals per game (13th). Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 103 points (27 goals and 76 assists), while Cale Makar is close behind with 78 points (25 goals and 53 assists). Artturi Lehkonen has also contributed significantly with 41 points (27 goals, 14 assists).
In net, Scott Wedgewood (10-6-1) is expected to start. The 32-year-old goalie has a 2.49 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage, along with two shutouts this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs (40-24-3, 33-34 ATS) are currently going through one of their roughest patches of the season, having lost five of their last seven games. Their home stand started with defeats to the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators, but they managed a strong 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames in their most recent outing. The Maple Leafs are in 3rd place in the Atlantic Division with 83 points, tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning and just two points behind the Florida Panthers.
Toronto has been strong offensively, averaging 3.21 goals per game (9th), but their defense has been somewhat shaky, allowing 2.96 goals per game (17th). Mitch Marner leads the way with 82 points (21 goals, 61 assists), while William Nylander is close behind with 71 points (38 goals, 33 assists), and Auston Matthews has 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists).
In goal, Anthony Stolarz (13-8-3) will likely start for Toronto. The 31-year-old has posted a 2.39 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage this season, along with one shutout.
Total Goals Trends
- The Maple Leafs have seen the total go UNDER the line in 10 consecutive home games following a win at Scotiabank Arena.
- In eight of their last nine games as road favorites after a win, the Avalanche have also hit the UNDER on the total goals line.
- The “Over 1.5 Goals in Period 1” market has hit in each of the last seven matchups between the Avalanche and Maple Leafs.
- The “Over 2.5 Goals in Period 1” market has hit in four of the Avalanche’s last five games following an overtime win.
Matchup Facts
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of only four teams to win 10+ games after trailing following the first period this season.
- They are also one of only four teams to secure a win after being down by three or more goals in the first period.
- Colorado ranks 2nd in the league for goals scored per game in the 3rd period (1.35).
- The Avalanche also rank 3rd in shots allowed per game, with just 26.1 shots against.
Maple Leafs vs Avalanche Prediction
The teams have been evenly matched over the past ten meetings, each recording five wins. The Avalanche won the only matchup this season, defeating Toronto 7-4 in Denver. While we don’t expect another high-scoring affair like that, the offensive firepower on both sides suggests that at least seven combined goals is realistic. Seven of the last ten matchups have gone OVER the total, and both teams have been trending toward high-scoring games recently.
Given the offensive talent and recent trends, I’m backing the OVER in this matchup.