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 York Islanders vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Time: 1:00 p.m Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SNO, MSGSN
Today is the last game of 2024 for both the New York Islanders (14-16-7), and the Toronto Maple Leafs (22-13-2). These two teams met up 10 days ago with the Islanders beating the Maple Leafs in Toronto 6-3. This is the second of the three games between these teams this season. It will be the final game in Toronto before the last game is played on Long Island. Both teams will be looking to ring in the New Year with a win.
Islanders Struggling on Special Teams
The New York Islanders returned from the holiday break with a home-and-home weekend battle against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Islanders split the two games with the home team winning each time. One of the main reason for their loss was getting dominated on special teams. This has been a concerning trend all season for New York. They are currently dead last on both the power play and penalty kill. If it isn’t improved it may just cost them their season.
Another concerning trend for the Islanders is that their star goalie Ilya Sorokin is having a down season. It could be a combination of his play, and the play of the skaters in front of him. Regardless, he will need to be much better in 2025 for New York to overcome all of their other weaknesses. He may just be worn down after starting every game in December, and 12 straight overall before getting a rest on Sunday.
Maple Leafs Missing Matthews Again
Auston Matthews was sidelined again starting with the Leafs first game against the Islanders back on December 21st. He has missed every game since and it was confirmed that he won’t return today. However, there was some encouraging signs that his return could be imminent as he returned to practice yesterday rotating in on line rushes. Since he departed before power play work it seems like his return will come early in the New Year. The Leafs could also be without defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson who missed practice with an illness.
The Maple Leafs haven’t had as much success without their captain this time winning only one of their four games. Those three losses have all come at home after winning 14 of their first 18 at Scotiabank Arena. The first two of those home games had Joseph Woll in the crease. He has posted two of his worst starts of the year allowing 5, and 4 goals against the Islanders and Winnipeg Jets respectively. He looks to be better with Anthony Stolarz out.
Prediction
Even without Matthews the Maple Leafs would seem to have the upper hand in this game. The great equalizer could be a rested Sorokin for the Islanders. It’s just hard to imagine with Leafs continuing their losing ways at home. With how dreadful New York’s special teams are look for Toronto to dominate there leading to the difference in the game.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-2
Prop Bets of The Night
William Nylander scored 2 goals in the first meeting between these two teams. With Matthews out he is leading the Maple Leafs in scoring with 23 goals. He is +140 to score in the game today. For the Islanders Noah Dobson has 12 points in 10 career games against the Leafs. He seems like a good bet to recored 1+ points.
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Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Dec.31 New York Islanders vs. Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.