Follow Us
The Winnipeg Jets are on the tail-end of a back-to-back as they head east to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's time to continue our NHL odds series with a Jets-Maple Leafs prediction and pick.
The Jets picked up a 3-2 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres in upstate New York on Wednesday night. Winnipeg fell behind early when Zemgus Girgensons opened the scoring with a goal with over five minutes left in the first period. The Jets tied it up on a Blake Wheeler goal early in the second period. Girgensons put the Sabres back up with another score. Then, with 21 seconds left in the second period, Toronto tied it up again on a goal from Mason Appleton. There was no additional scoring until the shootout. In the shootout, every Jet scored. Winnipeg won the game on a Wheeler shootout goal to seal the deal. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck was a brick wall stopping 35 shots throughout the game and making the stop needed in the shootout. Winnipeg is one point behind the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Maple Leafs routed the Boston Bruins 6-4 at the TD Garden on Tuesday night. Colin Blackwell scored early to give Toronto the early lead. Despite that, Boston tied the game a minute later on a power-play goal from David Pastrnak. A few minutes later, Alexander Kerfoot gave Toronto the lead again with a goal. Additionally, goals by Mitchell Marner and Auston Matthews would help propel the Leafs to a 6-1 lead with less than four minutes left in the second. Boston roared back with three goals over the next 23 minutes but ultimately ran out of time. The Leafs are third in the Atlantic Division and one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Jets-Maple Leafs NHL odds:
NHL Odds: Jets-Maple Leafs Odds
Jets: +1.5 (-128)
Maple Leafs: -1.5 (+106)
Over: 6.5 (-128)
Under: 6.5 (+104)
*Watch NHL Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
Why The Jets Could Cover The Spread
The Jets play the Leafs tough. For example, in 10 games against the Maple Leafs last season, the Jets won four games, including three in Toronto. Additionally, the Jets have the firepower to take advantage of a huge weakness the Leafs have. Recently, injuries have decimated Toronto and it got even worse this week when goaltender Petr Mrazek left the game on Tuesday with a groin injury. Along with Mrazek, the Leafs also are missing goaltender Jack Campbell, who has been out since March 8 because of a rib injury. Mrazek is out for this game, and Campbell will not start until Saturday. Because of that, the Jets will face third-string goalie Erik Kallgren.
Kallgren picked up 23 saves in relief against the Bruins but also allowed three goals. Similarly, Kallgren has struggled in previous matchups, allowing three or more goals over the last two games. Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Wheeler supply the offense for Winnipeg. Connor leads the team in goals with 41. Likewise, Wheeler has dished out 42 assists. Scheifele has scored 26 goals, with 62 points overall. The Jets will be without Connor because of Covid-19 protocol for this game with Toronto yet has enough firepower to compensate for his absence. Also, the Jets must limit penalties.
Subsequently, the Jets could cover the spread if it strikes early and stays out of the penalty box. The Leafs are hurting and could be ripe for a letdown if the goaltender struggles.
Why The Maple Leafs Could Cover The Spread
The Leafs are firing on all cylinders offensively. Despite the lack of defense or goaltending, the Leafs have stayed the course. Toronto is destined for a playoff appearance but must figure out how to fix its weaknesses. Matthews has been a megastar for the Leafs, leading Toronto with 49 goals. Additionally, Mitchell Marner has contributed 48 assists. William Nylander is having a solid season, as he has scored 24 goals and 36 assists. Toronto ranks third in the league in goal scoring. The Leafs are also the top-ranked team in power-play percentage.
The Jets are one of the worst teams in penalty-kill percentage. If the Leafs can draw penalties, it could allow strikers Matthews, Marner, and Nylander the opportunity to produce on the extra-man attack. Despite the struggles on defense, the Leafs rarely blow leads when they score early. Toronto could cover the spread if it strikes early and capitalizes on the power-play chances.
Final Jets-Maple Leafs Prediction & Pick
This has all the makings of a high-scoring game. Toronto is the overwhelming favorite on paper, but they have struggled often in these situations. Scoring has not been a struggle for either team. Take the over in this game and expect lots of horns blaring after a winger flings the puck into the net.
Final Jets-Maple Leafs Prediction & Pick: Over 6.5 (-128)