The Anaheim Ducks were sitting on a rough four-game losing streak before rattling off back-to-back victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins.
They now have to take on another strong opponent in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto has a slightly better record than Anaheim but has been inconsistent lately.
The Leafs are 3-3 in their last six games, though, alternating wins and losses in that span. Their last game was a win over the New York Islanders, so are they in for another loss?
Let’s take a closer look at this NHL game betting preview and figure out the best option against the NHL odds.
- Game: Anaheim Ducks (21-16-7) at Toronto Maple Leafs (25-10-3)
- Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
- Day/Time: Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
- Television: TNT
Anaheim Ducks at Toronto Maple Leafs
Visitors Play Both Ends Well
The Ducks have a middle-of-the-road record (21-23 for betting purposes) and they have middle-of-the-pack rankings. It matches up.
They are ranked in the middle of the pack in both offense (17th) and defensive (14th). Looking at their offense, they are led by Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras.
Both players have scored over 30 points, with Terry topping the team with 37.
On the back end, all of their goaltenders have been solid but not spectacular. John Gibson has seen the most time in the net and owns a 14-10-6 record and save percentage of .919.
Backup Anthony Stolarz has filled in respectably with a 6-5-1 record and .919 save percentage.
Anaheim has gone through stretches where it can’t seem to find the back of the net. It isn’t goaltending that the Ducks have to worry about, it’s the offensive end that really gets them.
Leafs Rely on Power Play
The power play is such a critical part of winning for every team in the NHL. It is clearly something that the Maple Leafs put a focus on during the offseason.
They are second in the league right now at 29 percent on the power play and it’s giving them a huge boost. They are behind only the Edmonton Oilers (30.5) in this category.
It makes sense considering the Maple Leafs have more than a few offensive weapons that can get the job done. Auston Mathews is the first name that comes to mind here. He leads the team with 25 goals and 41 points.
William Nylander and John Tavares are right there with him, each over the 30-point mark. The Leafs are a strong all-around team and the power play could be how they win this game.
If you bet online, you should note that Anaheim is sixth in penalty minutes accrued.
Toronto Strong Favorites
Toronto seems to be the stronger team on paper and the oddsmakers apparently agree. The Leafs are listed as the early favorites in the sportsbook.
Their offense and defense have been better this season, and they absolutely dominate the power play. As for Anaheim, it has been fading since a 17-9-5 start to the season. The Ducks have just four wins in their last 13.
As for the over-under, it is listed at six. The over seems more likely with 11 of Toronto’s last 13 games having at least six goals scored. It’s looking like a high-scoring game.
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