Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in head-to-head matchups. Today, we are looking at the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers
Time: 7:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: CBC, SN
Tonight, Auston Matthews leads his Toronto Maple Leafs (30-19-2) out west to face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers (32-15-4). This is the final meeting between these two Canadian teams this season. The Maple Leafs beat the Oilers 4-3 in overtime in November. Edmonton will look to split the season series tonight.
Toronto Heading Out on a Western Road Trip
Edmonton will be the first stop on Toronto’s four-game road trip before breaking for the Four Nations Face-Off. Toronto will be hoping to build on an 11-8-2 road record while simultaneously ending a three-game losing streak. The Maple Leafs’ biggest issue lately has been the lack of goal-scoring. They have only found the back of the net once in each of those three losses. The good news is that help may be on the way.
John Tavares and Matthew Knies practiced in regular sweaters in the top six yesterday. That is a positive sign that they will play tonight. They will most certainly add some offence to a sputtering Maple Leafs attack. Maybe getting them back will also spark the Leafs power play. They were both on the top unit at practice. Another return to watch is Anthony Stolarz, who also practiced with the team yesterday and appears close to a return.
Edmonton Looking to End Homestand on a High
Tonight will be the final game of a six-game homestand for the Oilers. So far, they have gone 3-1-1, which has helped vault Edmonton into a battle with the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot in the Pacific Division. However, their last game ended on a sour note after they blew a two-goal lead and lost to the Detroit Red Wings in a shootout.
Unlike the Maple Leafs, the Oilers have had no struggles scoring. They have scored 17 goals in their last five games. They seem to have found success by spreading the wealth and putting Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman on three different lines. Of course, they all reunite to form one of the best power plays in the league. Edmonton will look to use that three-pronged attack against Toronto tonight.
Prediction
This should be a fun battle between two teams loaded with offensive stars. Matthews vs. McDavid may even be a preview of what’s to come at the Four Nations. With that being said, look for this game to have a playoff feel. Limited space will be available, and whoever plays to their structure might give themselves the best chance to win. The possible returns for Toronto should help them generate offense. For the Oilers, their power play might be the difference maker.
Prediction: Oilers win 3-2 in overtime
Prop Bets of The Night
While McDavid is the best player in the NHL, Draisaitl has had the better season, scoring 36 goals so far. He is +115 to score, while McDavid is +155. For the Maple Leafs, Matthews scored in five straight before being goalless in the last two. Look for him to get back on the scoreboard tonight. As an anytime goal scorer, he is +130.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Feb.1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.