Nation Sites
The Nation Network
The LeafsNation has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Maple Leafs at Oilers 12/14/19 – Odds and NHL Betting Trends
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2019, 10:16 ESTUpdated: Dec 14, 2019, 10:17 EST
by OddsShark (@OddsShark) – Sponsored Post
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ good-but-not-great record as a road favourite might play more in their favour against a slumping Edmonton Oilers team. The Maple Leafs are -135 away favourites while the Oilers are a +115 home underdog with a 6.5-goal total on the NHL odds for Saturday at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Toronto is 8-5 in its last 13 games as an away favourite whereas Edmonton is 3-10 in its last 13 games as a home underdog with the total finishing OVER 13 times at betting sites. In terms of the law of averages, though, Toronto might be hard-pressed to build on an 8-2 record over its last 10 games against Edmonton.
Maple Leafs at Oilers | OddsShark Matchup Report
The Maple Leafs are 15-14-4 entering the final game of a western swing where they are 2-1 after a third-period lapse during a 4-2 defeat against the Calgary Flames on Thursday. While Toronto is having issues with its defensive zone coverage, the offence led by centers John Tavares and Auston Matthews is fifth in the NHL in five-on-five shot-attempt percentage (52.82 percent). The Maple Leafs are 11th in goals scored (3.18 per game) and 23rd in goals against (3.26). On special teams, the power play ranks 14th (19.8 percent) and the penalty killing ranks 25th (76.5).
Frederik Andersen will make his sixth consecutive start for Toronto. Andersen is 15-8-3 with a 2.54 goals-against average and .918 save percentage this season.
The Oilers are 18-12-4 this season, but are only 2-5-1 over their last eight games and come in on a three-game losing streak. Oilers center Connor McDavid is leading the NHL in scoring with 57 points and he and left wing Leon Draisaitl could be a lethal combination for Toronto, although Edmonton as a team ranks 26th in the 31-team NHL in five-on-five shot-attempt percentage (47.81 percent). The Oilers are 16th in the league in goals scored (3.03 per game) and 18th in goals against (3.06). While special teams success is tough to sustain, the Oilers are outperforming the Maple Leafs in this area so far this season, as the McDavid-led power play ranks first (32.0 percent) while the penalty killing ranks sixth (84.8).
Judging by the Oilers’ goalie rotation, the start is more likely to go to Mikko Koskinen, who is 11-4-2 this season with a 2.72 goals-against average and .914 save percentage.
Toronto’s next action is at home against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.
Breaking News
- Leafs development camp notebook: McKenna steals the show, Nansi’s improved skating, Bilecki’s full circle moment
- Maple Leafs’ Colton Sissons looking to bring more grit to Toronto’s lineup next season
- Maple Leafs fans share their thoughts on a busy Day 1 of NHL free agency
- Gavin McKenna feels the excitement around Maple Leafs following Day 1 of free agency
- The Maple Leafs are better today. How much better is up for debate: Leafs Morning Take