NHL Predictions: Maple Leafs vs. Oilers
Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey analyzes scheduled matchups, offering insights and projections on potential winners. Today, we focus on the clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers. Stay tuned for more NHL predictions as the 2024-25 season unfolds.
Game Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers
- Time: 7:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
- TV: CBC, SN
Auston Matthews leads his Toronto Maple Leafs (30-19-2) into Edmonton to face Connor McDavid and the Oilers (32-15-4) in their final meeting of the season. Toronto previously edged out Edmonton 4-3 in overtime back in November, and the Oilers will look to even the season series tonight.
Toronto Begins a Western Road Trip
Edmonton marks the first stop on Toronto’s four-game road trip before the Four Nations Face-Off break. The Maple Leafs, holding an 11-8-2 road record, aim to snap a three-game losing streak. Their biggest struggle lately? Scoring goals—they’ve managed just one goal in each of their last three losses. However, there’s hope on the horizon.
John Tavares and Matthew Knies practiced in top-six roles yesterday, indicating they could return to the lineup. Their presence would be a major boost for Toronto’s offense, which has been struggling. Additionally, both were part of the team’s top power-play unit at practice. Another key return could be Anthony Stolarz, who is close to rejoining the squad after practicing with the team.
Edmonton Aims to Finish Homestand Strong
Tonight wraps up a six-game homestand for the Oilers, who have gone 3-1-1 in this stretch. This strong run has propelled them into a battle with the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot in the Pacific Division. However, their last outing was a frustrating shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings, in which they squandered a two-goal lead.
Unlike Toronto, goal-scoring hasn’t been an issue for Edmonton. The Oilers have scored 17 goals in their last five games, finding success by splitting up their star forwards—Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman—across different lines. However, they still come together to form one of the league’s most dangerous power-play units, which could be a difference-maker against Toronto.
Prediction
This game features two high-powered offenses, with Matthews vs. McDavid potentially offering a glimpse of what’s to come at the Four Nations tournament. Expect a playoff-like atmosphere, where defensive structure could be the key to victory.
The possible returns of Tavares and Knies could spark the Leafs’ offense, while Edmonton’s power play may prove decisive.
Prediction: Oilers win 3-2 in overtime.
Prop Bets of the Night
- Leon Draisaitl anytime goal scorer (+115): With 36 goals this season, Draisaitl has been more productive than McDavid, who is priced at +155.
- Auston Matthews anytime goal scorer (+130): After a five-game goal streak, Matthews has gone scoreless in his last two. He’s due to find the net tonight.