Ottawa Senators (4-6-0) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (6-4-2)
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 11/8/23 – In an intriguing NHL regular season matchup, the Ottawa Senators will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 8th, 2023. With Ottawa looking to improve upon a struggling 4-6-0 start, and Toronto sitting in a relatively better position at 6-4-2, this game at the Scotiabank Arena promises to be a heated contest. For those seeking free hockey tips, this game is an interesting study in contrasts, with both teams showing inconsistencies in their early-season form.
The Senators’ offense, led by right wing Claude Giroux, center Tim Stutzle, and left wing Brady Tkachuk, has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. Giroux and Stutzle are both sitting on 11 points, demonstrating their ability to contribute significantly to the playmaking and scoring. Tkachuk’s shooting percentage stands out, with an impressive 19%, reflecting his efficiency in front of the goal. The Senators will need these leaders to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly against a Maple Leafs defense that has been somewhat porous, conceding 4.11 goals against per game on average.
Toronto’s offense counters with formidable firepower of its own. Center Auston Matthews is on a hot streak, boasting 13 goals in 12 games, underpinning a strong 22.8 shooting percentage. Mitchell Marner and William Nylander provide a supporting cast that can exploit any defensive weaknesses. Marner’s playmaking abilities, highlighted by his 12 assists, could be particularly problematic for the Senators’ defense, which will have to be on high alert to keep the Leafs’ top line in check.
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 11/8/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Scotiabank Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo vs. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov
In net for Ottawa, Joonas Korpisalo has had a rocky start to the season. Despite a commendable 0.901 save percentage, his 3.44 goals-against average is a concern. Korpisalo’s performance will be crucial in this game, especially considering Toronto’s high-scoring offense. His ability to withstand the Leafs’ assault and maintain composure could be the difference-maker.
Conversely, Toronto’s Ilya Samsonov has had a challenging beginning, with a subpar 0.855 save percentage and a 4.11 goals-against average. The Senators, although not as offensively potent as the Leafs, have the talent to exploit Samsonov’s vulnerabilities. It will be imperative for him to step up and backstop his team confidently to secure a win at home.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Toronto Maple Leafs -169, Total Odds: 6.5
The betting odds are favoring the Maple Leafs, reflecting their home advantage and potent offense. However, with both teams showing defensive shortcomings, the total of 6.5 with the over at -138 suggests that a high-scoring affair is anticipated by the odds makers.
Ottawa Senators Betting Trends
The Senators’ recent form paints a grim picture, with a 1-5 straight up (SU) record in their last 6 games, indicating a struggle to close out games. Their road performance has been particularly concerning, with a 1-8 SU record in their last 9 games away from home. When playing against Toronto, these trends worsen, making it challenging to back Ottawa in the moneyline market.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Trends
Toronto’s betting trends are a mixed bag, with a strong 6-1 SU record at home against Ottawa but a less impressive 1-4 SU in their last 5 games overall. Their home form also shows signs of weakness, with a 3-7 SU record in their last 10 games at Scotiabank Arena. This could suggest some potential value in backing the Senators to cover the spread.
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 11/8/23 Betting Picks
Given the statistics and trends, this game appears to be a tale of two struggling teams. On one hand, Ottawa’s record against Toronto, especially on the road, is hard to overlook. On the other, the Leafs’ ability to score but also concede suggests that the over on total points might be the safest play.
In considering the better pick, while the Maple Leafs are the favorites, the Senators’ puck line at +1.5 (-160) could be attractive for those seeking to exploit Toronto’s recent shaky performances. As for prop bets, one might consider looking at goal totals for players like Matthews or Tkachuk, given their form. As for the over/under, the trend leans towards the over, especially with both goaltenders showing vulnerabilities.
Expert sports picks often look beyond the surface. Despite the Leafs being favored, the Senators have the tools to make this a competitive game, and the +1.5 puck line provides a cushion against a tight finish.
Free Pick and Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Ottawa Senators 3.