Montreal Canadiens (31-45-6 last season) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (50-21-11 last season)
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 10/11/23 – The age-old rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs adds another chapter on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Last season, the Leafs showcased their strength with a 50-21-11 record, a stark contrast to the Canadiens’ 31-45-6. With such a disparity in recent performance, NHL game day selections will be closely watched by fans and bettors alike as the two Canadian giants face off.
Montreal’s offense, led by the young trio of Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, and Cole Caufield, did showcase moments of brilliance last season. Suzuki, with a tally of 66 points from 26 goals and 40 assists, was a consistent performer, whereas the promising right-wing, Cole Caufield, managed to net 26 goals despite playing only 46 games. However, against Toronto’s staunch defense and goaltending, the Habs will have to maximize every opportunity they get.
On the other side, the Leafs possess a formidable offensive line with stars like Mitchell Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews. Marner’s 71 points and Nylander’s impressive 67 points from last season highlight Toronto’s depth and scoring ability. Facing Montreal’s defense, which showed vulnerabilities last season, this Leafs’ trio could have a field day.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 10/11/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Scotiabank Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Jake Allen vs. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov
Montreal’s Jake Allen, having played 42 games last season, experienced a turbulent ride with 15 wins against 24 losses. His goals-against average stood at 3.55, indicating a challenging season for the netminder. A save percentage of 0.891 showcases his resilience but also spots where sharpshooters from the Leafs could exploit. Against Toronto’s offensive prowess, Allen’s experience and agility will be paramount.
For the Leafs, Ilya Samsonov had a more promising season. With 27 wins in 42 games and a commendable goals-against average of 2.33, he solidified his place as a crucial component of Toronto’s success. His save percentage of 0.919 further accentuates his capacity to deal with potent offenses. Facing the Canadiens’ forwards, his form and consistency could very well be the difference-maker.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Toronto Maple Leafs -266, Total Odds: 6.5
The odds are clearly leaning towards a Leafs victory with a moneyline of -266. The over/under total odds are set at 6.5, hinting at an expectation of a high-scoring game, which aligns with the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Trends
Montreal’s recent performance has raised concerns among the fans and bettors. Their recent form shows they’ve gone OVER the total in 4 of their last 5 games. Yet, their outright performance is lackluster, with a 1-7 record in the last 8 games and a dismal 1-6 in their last 7 road outings. When facing Toronto, especially on the road, the total has consistently gone UNDER in 4 of the last 5 encounters.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Trends
While Toronto has fared better overall than Montreal, their recent form, surprisingly, isn’t too impressive either. They’ve had a string of UNDER totals in 7 of their last 7 games, with a 1-4 straight-up record in their last 5 games. Furthermore, at home, they’ve struggled lately with a 1-5 record in their last 6 games. However, the Leafs have seen the total go UNDER in 7 of their last 10 games against the Habs.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 10/11/23 Betting Picks
Considering both team’s recent forms and their historical rivalry, this is set to be a close encounter. While Toronto seems to be the favorite based on season records and home advantage, Montreal’s potential to cause an upset should not be underestimated.
From a betting perspective, while the Leafs seem to be the safer bet for a win, the Canadiens, with their enhanced odds, could offer better value for risk-takers. Prop bets on specific player performances, especially from the offensive stars from both sides, could be lucrative. Given the recent trends, the under 6.5 goals could be a viable option. As always, sports predictions premium should be considered alongside individual research.
Free Pick and Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Montreal Canadiens 2.