Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Devils 0-2 Maple Leafs
Time: 7:00 p.m Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN4, MSGSN2; ESPN+
This is the final meeting of the season between these two teams as the New Jersey Devils (26-15-5) make their only trip north to face the Toronto Maple Leafs (27-16-2). Both teams have pretty similar records this season but, Toronto has won both games head-to-head so far. They beat the Devils 4-2 in October, and 2-1 in overtime in December. Will the Maple Leafs sweep the season series tonight?
Keefe Returns to Toronto
Tonight first year Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe makes his first trip to Toronto as the coach of an opposing team. Over his five season coaching the Maple Leafs, Keefe had a regular season record of 212-97-40. Unfortunately, the constant disappointments in the postseason ultimately lead to his dismissal. The Devils were quick to hire him, and so far they are enjoying regular season success just like Toronto did under Keefe’s guidance. The question will be can Keefe and the Devils go deeper into the playoffs.
One thing Keefe has in New Jersey that he never had in Toronto is a star starting netminder. Jacob Markstrom has been everything the Devils hoped and more this season. It could be argued he has been the second best goalie in the league behind only Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Markstrom ranks inside the top ten in Goals Against Average, Save Percentage, and Wins. He has been dominant since the start of December winning 10 of 15 starts, while only losing twice in regulation. Look for him to continue his strong play tonight.
Maple Leafs on a Losing Streak
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter tonights game in a slump. They have lost three games in a row, and both of their games on this three-game homestand. To make maters worse they haven’t been able to score more than three goals in any of their last 5 games. The Maple Leafs seem to need a spark. Maybe a date with their former coach is coming at the perfect time. Toronto will need to improve in multiple areas to give Keefe an unwelcome return.
Part of the offence’s problem has been a lack of power play production during the losing streak. The once mighty power play has been in an outage almost all season. The Leafs have gone 1/7 over the last three games. Compounding the struggles in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes when they scored a power play goal they also gave up a shorthanded goal. The lack of power play success seems to have really impacted William Nylander. He only has one point in 7 games in January. Something to monitor, Nylander’s regular centreman John Tavares left practice early yesterday, and his status for todays game is unknown.
Prediction
The biggest storyline of the night might be off the ice. It will be interesting to see the response Sheldon Keefe gets. The prediction there is a mix of boos and cheers. On the ice the Maple Leafs will need to find a way to get some goals on Markstrom. A power play break through would certainly help. The Leafs will also need Joseph Woll to play much better. He has allowed 9 goals in his last two games. He won’t have an easy night against a Devils team averaging 3.11 goals a game. Finally, good teams like the Devils or Leafs never seem to go into extended losing stretches so this should bode well for Toronto.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 3-2.
Prop Bets of The Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets for the night. Auston Matthews is averaging almost a goal a game against the Devils in his career, scoring 19 times in 20 games. He is +120 to score in the game tonight. Nylander has to start finding the back of the net again sooner or later. He is +200 to score tonight. Toronto is a home underdog at -102.
Main photo by: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: Jan.16 New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.