This is the stage of the season where things can get a little tricky for teams already in the playoffs or on the brink of confirming their spot. It’s traditionally a time of the year where teams start to tighten up a little like the regular season finish line approaches, which can often lead to surprising results becoming more commonplace than usual. There are also some teams who will now be seriously starting to think about resting some key players, although that is tough to do when you are still trying to jockey for playoff positioning.
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be one of the teams who is tightening up a little with the end of the season approaching, as they are definitely not playing their best hockey right now. They need to find a way to get back to winning some games, as they will be looking to maintain a decent seeding in the Eastern Conference playoffs. You would like their chances to get back on track on Wednesday night when they hit the to face a Buffalo Sabres team who will not be heading into the postseason. Toronto is favored by 1 ½, with the O/U set at 6 ½.
Maple Leafs vs Sabres NHL Spread & Prediction
Road tripping down to Buffalo for second half of back-to-back.
Listen in to today’s Morning Skate Mashup. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/6RZtQc5AR4 — Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) 20 de marzo de 2019
- When: Wednesday, March 20 at 7 PM EST
- Where: Key Bank Center, Buffalo
- TV: NHL Center Ice
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Spread: Toronto Maple Leafs -150 (Total 6.5)
Why bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs?
The Toronto Maple Leafs spent a good portion of the season sitting in second in the Atlantic Division, but they have long since given up that spot to the Boston Bruins. Losing that #2 spot seemed to take some wind out of their sails, as they have now fallen 6 points off the pace being set by Boston and are just 4-5-1 in the last 10, which included back to back losses coming into Wednesday night.
This has been a team that has thrived on the road all season long, going 21-11-4 in hostile territory. The Maple Leafs have won 4 in a row against the Buffalo Sabres, although it should be noted that only one of those wins came on the road. The Maple Leafs have gone 17-19 ATS on the road this season.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.55
- Shots: 32.60
- PP/PK Percentage: 22.22
Defense
- Goals: 3.00
- Shots: 33.12
- PP/PK Percentage: 18.92
Why bet on the Buffalo Sabres?
A loss here could very well be the final nail in the season for the Buffalo Sabres, although they are probably already well aware that they will be missing out on the playoffs again. It has been the same old story for Buffalo again this season, as a total inability to consistently put the puck in the net has come back to haunt them. Outside of Jeff Skinner and Jack Eichel, the Sabres don’t really have much of an offensive threat to offer.
They are, though, coming off a win over the St. Louis Blues, a victory that snapped a 7-game losing skid that began with a 5-2 loss to the Leafs. They have been outscored 14-8 in their last 3 meetings with Toronto and certainly appear to be up against it here.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 2.78
- Shots: 32.65
- PP/PK Percentage: 18.01
Defense
- Goals: 3.24
- Shots: 32.94
- PP/PK Percentage: 18.62
Maple Leafs vs Sabres NHL Betting Trends
- Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
- Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto’s last 9 games when playing Buffalo
- Buffalo is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- Buffalo is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of Buffalo’s last 12 games
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Maple Leafs vs Sabres
The joy that comes with getting a win is likely going to be very short-lived for Buffalo, as I fully expect them to slip back into losing ways on Wednesday night. I am on the Maple Leafs to win and cover.
Score: Toronto Maple Leafs 4 – Buffalo Sabres 2
