The Toronto Maple Leafs are keen to break their recent slump as they host the New Jersey Devils in a highly anticipated matchup. This game marks the first time former Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe will stand behind the Devils’ bench in Toronto, following his replacement by Craig Berube after the previous season. The Leafs are coming off a tough stretch, having dropped three consecutive games in regulation for the first time this season, including a recent 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The team’s morale and fan patience are both being tested, making the upcoming game crucial for a turnaround.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are arriving in Toronto with their own set of challenges, having lost their last game in a shootout to the Florida Panthers and recording a subpar 2-4-2 record in their past eight outings. Despite the shootout defeat ending their six-game home win streak, the Devils have shown resilience. Goalie Jacob Markstrom emphasized the team’s solid defensive play and the importance of seizing points whenever possible. Keefe praised his team’s performance against Florida, noting that while the results weren’t perfect, the game’s execution gave them every chance to secure a win.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto’s struggles aren’t just on the scoreboard but also on the special teams front, particularly with the power play which has been less effective than expected. Despite a competitive five-on-five play, their inability to capitalize on power play opportunities has been a notable concern. The team’s power play inefficiency was highlighted during their game against the Stars, failing to score during critical moments. Additionally, the Leafs face roster challenges with key forward John Tavares sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained in a recent practice, putting more pressure on the team to adjust and improve their play without one of their leaders.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Toronto Maple Leafs to Win
The Toronto Maple Leafs are positioned for a potential rebound in this upcoming match against the New Jersey Devils. Despite their recent struggles, Toronto’s need to break their losing streak provides a strong motivation for a turnaround performance. The return of Jake McCabe to the defense could also bolster the team’s resilience and effectiveness on the ice. Additionally, playing on home ice with the urgency to respond to recent criticisms and the emotional boost from facing their former coach could ignite the Maple Leafs to recapture their earlier form. Given these factors, Toronto appears poised to overcome their adversities and secure a victory.
America Bet Score Prediction
New Jersey Devils 2 – 3 Toronto Maple Leafs
Given the urgency for the Toronto Maple Leafs to snap their losing streak and the strategic adjustments expected with the return of key players, a close but decisive victory seems plausible. Toronto’s recent difficulties with their power play could see improvement as they focus on execution and leveraging their home advantage. On the other side, the New Jersey Devils have shown resilience in defense but might struggle to outscore a motivated Toronto team in an away setting. Thus, a 3-2 win for the Maple Leafs is a reasonable prediction, reflecting both their potential for improvement and the competitive challenge posed by the Devils.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win.
- Over 4.5 total goals scored in the game.
- Toronto Maple Leafs to score first.
- New Jersey Devils to score over 1.5 goals.
- Toronto Maple Leafs to win by exactly 1 goal margin.
- Both teams to score.
- Toronto Maple Leafs to lead after the first period.
- Total goals by Toronto Maple Leafs over 2.5.
- First period to end in a draw.
- Toronto Maple Leafs to have more power play opportunities.
