Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs Prediction and Odds (Look for Carolina to Beat up on Toronto's Rookie Goalie)

Thursday night in the NHL brings us a potential playoff series preview between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes. These Metropolitan Division rivals clash at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario with the home team listed as slight underdogs. Considering the Hurricanes are 41-18, I’m kind of surprised the odds for this game are as tight as they are.

As of today, Carolina lags behind the Florida Panthers by just one point for the top spot in the entire Eastern Conference. They are 4-1 SU in their last five but are coming off a 4-2 loss on the road to the Penguins. Their defense fell apart in that one after surrendering four goals to Pitt. This after the team gave up only five goals in their previous four games combined. Here are the odds for tonight’s Metropolitan matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Hurricanes -125
• Maple Leafs +105

Puck line:

• Hurricanes +1.5 (+200)
• Maple Leafs -1.5 (-250)

Total:

• 6 (Over -130/Under +110)

Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs Prediction and Pick

To say the Hurricanes have been one of the best teams all season would be an understatement. They have the Metropolitan Division on lock with a six-point lead over the New York Rangers and are one win away from potentially taking over the conference. They are the best scoring defense in the NHL, allowing just 2.36 goals per game on the season. Carolina has a slightly less impressive offense, but they still rank eighth in scoring with 3.34 goals per game. Frederik Anderson gets the call tonight to man the net. He has gone 30-10 this year with a strong 2.06 goals-against average. His numbers do dip when on the road because he's still 15-6 with a 2.13 GAA. 

While the Maple Leafs are coming off an impressive win over the Dallas Stars, I don’t think they have the personnel to win this game. Toronto will have to turn to Erik Kallgren again to handle goaltending duties. While the rookie shut out the Stars in his last game, the Leafs still ranked 16th in goals allowed. Kallgren has been starting due to Auston Matthews’ suspension and Jack Campbell’s injury. Starting a rookie in between the pipes only means the Canes are much more attractive on the puck line.

Pick: Hurricanes -125

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE