Coming off of a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leafs (16-7-6), second in the NHL standings for the Atlantic Division, visit the Buffalo Sabres (13-17-3), seventh in the Atlantic, on Thursday night. Buffalo has lost consecutive games, including a 9-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
Maple Leafs vs Sabres Picks
- NHL Pick: Maple Leafs 4-3
Devon Levi (3.27 GAA, .892 save percentage) is expected to start in goal for the Sabres, while Ilya Samsonov is the projected starting goaltender for the Maple Leafs. Let’s take a closer look at the Maple Leafs vs Sabres betting picks.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres Odds
For the Maple Leafs vs Sabres betting picks, Toronto is favored with -155 moneyline odds and -1.5 (+145) puck line odds. The Sabres have +135 moneyline in the NHL odds and +1.5 (-175) puck line odds. The over/under is 6.5.
Maple Leafs vs. Sabres Information
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres
Location of the game: KeyBank Center. Buffalo, New York.
Date & Time: Thursday, December 21. 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+ | Sportsnet Ontario (Canada)
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres Analysis
Toronto Maple Leafs Performance Recap and Analysis
The Maple Leafs, despite losing Tuesday, have been among the best NHL teams as of late, going 6-1-3 in their last 10 games. They had at least one point in 14 of 15 games before Tuesday’s loss and are now up to second in goals per game (3.59) due in large part to the continued dominance of Auston Matthews, who leads the league in goals with 25 in 28 games.
William Nylander leads the Maple Leafs in NHL player stats with 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists), while both Mitch Marner (13 goals, 21 assists) and John Tavares (9 goals, 20 assists) are averaging at least a point per game. Toronto is 7-2-4 on the road this season.
Key Injuries
Joseph Woll is the most notable injury for the Maple Leafs. The rookie goaltender was establishing himself as one of the Toronto Maple Leafs picks to contend for the Calder Trophy, but is sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Mark Giordano and Ryan Reaves are also out for the Leafs.
Betting Trends to Know
- Toronto lost 6-4 to Buffalo on home ice on November 4 and has now lost consecutive games to the Sabres.
- They’re just 2-5 in their last seven games against Buffalo and are 8-19 against the spread (ATS) this year, including 3-8 on the road.
Buffalo Sabres Performance Recap and Analysis
Buffalo, among the NHL picks to finish in the lottery after a poor start to the season, is 3-6-1 in its last 10 games and 6-8-1 at home this season. They’ve had a tough NHL schedule, but have lost to weak teams, including the Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues.
Rasmus Dahlin leads the Buffalo Sabres stats with 27 points (8 goals, 19 assists), while a lot of key forwards have underperformed. Dylan Cozens has just 18 points, but has five in his lats three games, and Tage Thompson has 16 points.
Key Injuries
Jordan Greenway, Zemgus Girgensons, and Jeff Skinner are all out for the Sabres. Skinner is day-to-day and is a game-time decision for the Maple Leafs vs Sabres betting picks.
Betting Trends to Know
- Buffalo has won five of seven NHL games against the Maple Leafs and are 16-17 ATS, including 5-10 at home.
- Their over-under record is 14-19, including 5-10 at home.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres Betting Picks
- Moneyline: The Maple Leafs, after a loss, should rebound against the struggling Sabres.
- Puck Line: Don’t expect a blowout, however, with Samsonov in goal for Toronto. The Sabres +1.5 (-175) is a safer prediction.
- Over/Under: Expect plenty of goals. Toronto averages 3.59 per game and the Sabres average just 2.85, but shouldn’t have trouble scoring against Samsonov, who has allowed 10 goals in his last two starts.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres Prediction
- NHL Pick: Maple Leafs 4-3
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