Devils vs. Maple Leafs Prediction, Odds, Picks

The New Jersey Devils will face Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday at Scotiabank Arena. It’s a potential playoff preview as we share our NHL odds series and make a Devils-Maple Leafs prediction and pick.

Maple Leafs are 25-15 in their last 40 games and 7-3 in their last 10 games against the Devils. Interestingly, the visiting team has won the last eight games in this series, including the previous two games this season at the Prudential Center. Not surprisingly, the Devils are 3-2 in their last five games at the Prudential Center.

Here it is Devils-Maple Leafs NHL oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NHL odds: Devils-Maple Leafs odds

New Jersey Devils: +1.5 (-280)

Moneilines: -110

Toronto Maple Leafs: -1.5 (+220)

Moneilines: -110

Over: 5.5 (-138)

Under: 5.5 (+112)

How to watch Devils vs Maple Leafs

Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT

TV: ESPN+ and MSGS

*Watch NHL games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Devils might cover the spread/win

The Devils need to score early against the Leafs. Unfortunately, they haven’t scored in the first period in any game against the Leafs this season. New Jersey also needs to score overall, as they have scored just three goals in two games.

While some players have struggled this season in New Jerseyothers such as Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt advanced. However, Hughes and Nischier failed to score in either game. Bratt did his part, recording a goal and an assist in two games. But he needs other superstars to do more.

The Devils are one of the best teams in the NHL on the power play. Still, going 1 for 9 in two games isn’t going to cut it. If New Jersey gets another chance in the extra man offense, it needs to capitalize on the opportunities.

Related newsThe article continues below

Red Wings vs. Panthers Prediction, Odds, Pick, Spread – 1/16/202530m

Ducks vs. Lightning Prediction, Odds, Pick, Spread – 1/16/202550 m

Capitals vs. Senators Prediction, Odds, Pick, Spread – 1/16/20251 hour

Rockets vs. Nuggets Prediction, Odds, Pick, Spread – 1/15/20252h

The Devils also need better goaltending and defense to contain the Leafs. Unfortunately, Jacob Markstom is 0-2 with six goals allowed in two games and an .828 save percentage against the Maple Leafs this season. They also blocked just 13 shots in Game 2, a game in which their offense couldn’t put a single puck on net, and ultimately allowed the Leafs to score another goal.

The Devils will cover the spread if Hughes, Hisjer and Brat can set themselves up for good scoring chances. Next, the defense must tighten up and prevent the Leafs from getting open lanes and open shots.

Why would maple leaves cover the spread/win

The Maple Leafs lost to the Dallas Stars 4-1 at home. Regardless, they have played incredibly well this season and are currently leading their division, hoping to gain home court advantage during the playoffs. The key to winning this game lies in taking an early lead and shooting more.

The Leafs have beaten the Devils twice this season because of their ability to keep them in check. They also won despite not converting on the powerplay, going 0-for-2 in the first game and 0-for-3 in the second. Likewise, it would be ideal to shoot the puck more. They won the last game despite having only 17 shots on net. Their game was not great, as they won only 48 percent of their draws.

What’s more impressive about their wins over the Devils is how they did it. Somehow they won both games despite not getting points from Mitchell Marner or William Nylander. Instead, the other ranks worked. Yes, Auston Matthews and John Tavares each had a goal in two games. But the third and fourth lines did a lot of damage in the first game, resulting in four goals.

Anthony Stolarz was the starter in the first two games. However, he has been out for several weeks with an injury and will not be available for several weeks. Instead, Joseph Wall will be the starting goalie in this game and will try to replicate Stolarz’s performance.

The Maple Leafs will cover the spread if they can pressure the Devils and get some early offense. Next, they also need to continue to lose defenses and prevent the Devils from getting too many chances.

Final Devils-Maple Leafs Prediction & Pick

The Devils are 18-26 against the spread, while the Maple Leafs are 22-23 against the odds. Moreover, the Devils are 8-14 against the spread on the road, while the Leafs are 13-13 against the odds at home. The Devils are 14-28-2 against the over/under, while the Maple Leafs are 19-23-3 against the over/under.

While the Devils have struggled to match the Leafs this season, it’s also hard to ignore a strange trend in this series. That’s why I believe the Devils will find a way to come out strong and cover the spread on the road against the Maple Leafs.

Final Devils-Maple Leafs Prediction & Pick: Devils +1.5 (-280)