The Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars will both be looking to record consecutive victories after snapping identical two-game losing streaks in their respective last contests. With both Stanley Cup hopefuls looking to build some momentum as we move further into the second half of the regular season, let’s find out which team is offering the best value against their NHL odds in this intriguing affair.
Maple Leafs vs Stars 2020 NHL Odds, Preview & Pick
- When: Wednesday January 29, 2020, 7:30 PM ET
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TC
- TV: RSN
- Radio: Toronto / Dallas
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Odds: Toronto -105/Dallas -115 / Total: 6
- Puck Line: Toronto +1.5 / Dallas +1.5
Why Bet On Toronto?
There are some great reasons to back the Maple Leafs in this contest, starting with the fact that Toronto has recorded a winning record on the road this season (14-11). The Leafs beat up on Nashville en route to a commanding 5-2 win on Monday night as William Nylander, Zach Hyman, Rasmus Sandin, Jason Spezza and Matthews all lit the lamp.
Toronto also has an explosive offense that ranks fourth in scoring (3.6 gpg), fourth in shots and fifth in power play goals. The bad news is that the Maple Leafs also have an awful defense that ranks 27th in goals allowed (3.3 gpg).
Last, but not least, Toronto has a pair of elite performers that made the all-star game this year in sweet-shooting front-liner Auston Matthews and goalie Frederik Anderson.
Team Statistics
Offense- Goals: 3.62
- Shots: 33.58
- PP/PK Percentage: 23.74
- Goals: 3.34
- Shots: 32.64
- PP/PK Percentage: 23.40
Why Bet On Dallas?
There are also some great reasons to back Dallas in this matchup. The Stars got past Tampa bay 3-2 in overtime on Monday night as Denis Gurianov, Steven Stamkos and Jamie Benn all lit the lamp.
“I think that’s pretty much our game. We want to play good defense and we are committed to keeping the puck out of our net, and that was a good example of it (Monday),” Dallas captain Jamie Benn said.
The Stars have an elite offense that ranks third in scoring (3.6 gpg) and a defense that ranks ninth in goals allowed (2.9 gpg). Dallas has gone 15-7-2 at home this season and rank a stellar second in power play percentage and fourth in penalty killing.
Team Statistics
Offense- Goals: 2.61
- Shots: 30.55
- PP/PK Percentage: 19.15
- Goals: 2.49
- Shots: 31.45
- PP/PK Percentage: 15.95
NHL Betting Trends for Maple Leafs vs Stars
- Stars are 9-1 in their last 10 Wednesday games.
- Stars are 7-2 in their last 9 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Maple Leafs are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
- Maple Leafs are 36-15 in their last 51 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Maple Leafs vs Stars Expert Analysis and Prediction
While I’m expecting this matchup to be a knock-down, drag-out thriller, I’m going to back the Dallas Stars to take care of business at home based on the fact that they have the far superior defense in this contest and are playing at home.
While the Maple Leafs have gone 6-1 in their last 7 road games and 4-1 in their last five meetings against Dallas, Toronto is also just 2-5 in their last 7 overall, 2-7 in their last 9 games as a road underdog and 1-4 in their last 5 games against teams from the Western Conference.
On the flip side of the coin, the Stars have gone a blistering 14-3 in their last 17 games against a team with a winning record and 4-1 in their last 5 home games. Dallas is also a bankroll-boosting 8-3 in their last 11 games and 13-5 in their last 18 games as a home favorite. The Stars will get it done in a thriller.
Pick: Dallas 4 Toronto 3
