Toronto Maple Leafs (29-16-8) vs. Arizona Coyotes (23-26-4)
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Arizona Coyotes 2/21/24 – The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday night in an inter-conference NHL matchup. This NHL free prediction sees the Maple Leafs, currently third in the Atlantic division, heading West to face the struggling Coyotes who sit seventh in the Central division.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have proven themselves an incredible offensive team thanks to the leadership of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, with both players contributing 48 goals apiece; Matthews scored 48 and Nylander 43; each amassing 71 points each. But this offensive prowess will be put through its paces against an Arizona Coyotes defense which has shown resilience despite their team’s overall struggles.
However, Arizona Coyotes have their own set of strengths. Most notably Clayton Keller and Matias Maccelli stand out for them. Keller leads his team in points with 21 goals and 28 assists, showing his ability to make big plays even during tight games. By contrast, Samsonov has allowed an average of 3.25 goals against per game for Maple Leafs defense which may offer opportunities for the Coyotes’ offense to capitalize.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Arizona Coyotes 2/21/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Mullett Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Ilya Samsonov vs. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka
3.25 goals against average over his past 5 starts. His .881 save percentage over that span leaves much to be desired. On the season, Samsonov faces nearly 33 shots per game behind the Maple Leafs’ porous defense. If he can’t find his form, Toronto will have trouble overcoming the Coyotes on the road.
Meanwhile, Karel Vejmelka has posted decent numbers for Arizona despite the team’s struggles. In 24 starts, he has a 3.48 GAA and .896 save percentage behind a defense that allows over 34 shots per contest. Vejmelka has also been steady in the shootout this season, stopping 2 of 3 attempts for a solid 66.7% save rate. If the Coyotes can limit Toronto’s shot volume, Vejmelka should give them a chance at home. But Samsonov will need to regain his confidence for the Maple Leafs to get back in the win column.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are yet to be determined, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the game given the Maple Leafs’ recent form and the Coyotes’ potential for upsets. Bettors will need to pay close attention to the evolving odds, especially considering Toronto’s struggle on the road against the spread and Arizona’s slightly more favorable record in this regard.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Trends
The Maple Leafs head into this matchup ice cold, having lost 5 straight games both straight up and against the spread. Toronto’s offense has mysteriously disappeared during this recent skid, as the under has hit in all 5 contests as well. This is especially surprising given the Leafs’ offensive capabilities and the fact that 17 of their last 27 road games had gone over the total prior to this slump. Things have unraveled quickly for Toronto, who is just 8-16 ATS on the road this season.
Arizona Coyotes Betting Trends
The Coyotes have been a bit more reliable lately, covering the spread in 3 of their past 5 games. Arizona has been respectable on home ice all season as well, bringing a 14-12 ATS record at Mullett Arena into this matchup. The over has hit in 2 of the Coyotes’ last 5 contests, and an eye-popping 14 of their previous 27 games in front of their home fans. Arizona seems to excel in high-scoring affairs in front of their raucous fans, which could spell trouble for a Toronto team that has seen its offense disappear of late.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Arizona Coyotes 2/21/24 Betting Picks
The Maple Leafs are clearly the more talented squad, but this seems like a dangerous spot for them. Playing the second game of a back-to-back away from home against a frisky Coyotes team, Toronto could have tired legs and minds. Meanwhile, Arizona plays a loose brand of hockey in front of their home fans. Taking the Coyotes on the puck line appears to offer good value given the situation. The over also seems enticing considering both clubs’ defensive issues. For your premium daily prediction and picks, look for Arizona to keep this one close and the two teams to combine for 7 or more goals.
Free Pick and Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Arizona Coyotes 3