Game Preview: St. Louis Blues at Toronto Maple Leafs

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 PM EST

Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON

Moneyline Odds: St. Louis Blues +110 | Toronto Maple Leafs -132

Overview

The St. Louis Blues travel to Toronto to face a Maple Leafs team that is navigating significant injury trouble. Despite being without their top superstar, the Maple Leafs enter the contest as home favorites. This matchup presents a prime opportunity for the Blues to steal a valuable road win against a depleted but still dangerous opponent.

Toronto Maple Leafs Look to Weather Injury Storm

The biggest story heading into this game is the health of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team will be without its offensive centerpiece, as superstar center Auston Matthews is listed as “Out” with a lower-body injury. His absence creates a massive hole in the lineup, removing one of the league’s most prolific goal-scorers and leaving a heavy burden on the rest of Toronto’s top forwards to generate offense.

Adding to their woes, defenseman Chris Tanev is on Injured Reserve with an upper-body injury. While he was reportedly back skating on Saturday, his return for this game is highly unlikely.

Even with these critical players sidelined, oddsmakers have pegged the Maple Leafs as -132 favorites. This line suggests confidence in Toronto’s depth and home-ice advantage, but it will be a major test of their resilience. Players like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander will be expected to elevate their games to fill the void left by Matthews.

St. Louis Blues See an Opportunity

The St. Louis Blues enter this matchup in a favorable position. While the search results detail a host of injury issues for the Maple Leafs, they provide no information on any current injuries for the Blues. Coming into the game as the healthier squad gives St. Louis a clear advantage.

Playing as the +110 underdog, the Blues have a fantastic chance to capitalize on a weakened opponent. Their game plan will likely focus on a structured, tight-checking defensive effort to frustrate a Toronto offense that is missing its main weapon. If St. Louis can control the pace and limit the chances for Toronto’s remaining star players, they are well-positioned to pull off the upset.

Prediction

While the Maple Leafs possess enough talent to win any given night, the absence of Auston Matthews cannot be overstated. He is the engine of their offense, and playing without him fundamentally changes their dynamic. The betting line favoring Toronto at -132 is likely a nod to their overall depth and performance at home, but it feels misaligned with the severity of their injury situation.

The Blues, meanwhile, appear to be healthy and are getting plus-money odds in a game where their opponent is critically shorthanded. This is a classic value spot for a road underdog. Expect a disciplined effort from St. Louis as they grind out a close victory against a Maple Leafs team that will struggle to find its offensive rhythm.

Final Score Prediction: Blues 3, Maple Leafs 2

The Pick: St. Louis Blues Moneyline (+110)