Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Game Information

• Game: Toronto Maple Leafs (32-13-3) at Montreal Canadiens (10-33-7)
• Location: Bell Centre
• Day/Time: Monday, 7 p.m. ET
• Television: ESPN+

Toronto Will Be Ready to Go

The results haven’t been there for the Toronto Maple Leafs since they returned from the All-Star break, splitting six games. But, their on-ice play has been better than their record appears as they dropped a few contests in which they played pretty well. The same can’t be said for their most-recent loss, a 6-3 home defeat to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday in which they were fighting from behind all night.

The Maple Leafs didn’t give Jack Campbell much help so expect a much sharper Toronto team in Montreal against a hated rival. Even with backup goalie Petr Mrazek getting the start for Toronto, this team is too good to have another dud in this situation.

Plus, even though Toronto lost to St. Louis, the Maple Leafs outshot the Blues 37-34 and were right in the game until a brutal third period. Even when they don’t play well, they’re typically able to hang around.

Montreal Primed for Letdown

It’s hard to believe that the Montreal Canadiens needed until late February to finally put together their first winning streak in a season to forget. Both wins — over St. Louis and the New York Islanders — required overtime and a shootout, respectively, but were solid full-game performances from a banged-up and rebuilding Montreal team that is usually in over its head every night.

Andrew Hammond got the start and win on Sunday in his first NHL action in four years, which was a pretty great story. So, starter Sam Montembeault will go for Montreal. That’s great news for Toronto, as Montembeault has struggled this season despite being the Canadiens’ clear top option with Jake Allen and Carey Price sidelined.

It’s going to be a challenge for the Canadiens to match their level of play from Sunday’s victory over the Islanders. It’s tough for any team to take both ends of a back-to-back in the NHL, particularly if said team has just 10 wins.

Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Head-To-Head

These teams last played on Oct. 13 in each side’s season opener, with the Maple Leafs winning 2-1 on a William Nylander goal one minute into the third period. Toronto was a massive road favorite but didn’t cover the puckline.

Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Prediction

If you’re betting online, look for Toronto to win this game going away. The combination of the Maple Leafs coming off a loss, the Canadiens somehow winning consecutive games, and Montreal having the rest disadvantage just doesn’t bode well for the Habs. The Maple Leafs have lost multiple games in a row just three times this season, which shows how good they are at bouncing back from tough performances.

It makes sense that the Maple Leafs are heavily favored on the NHL betting lines here. There isn’t great value in Toronto on the puckline, but it’s worth a take as long as it stays above -150 or so. The under is worth considering too, but it could be risky with how explosive Toronto’s offense is.

Pick: Maple Leafs -1½ goals (-150)