Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Picks

Carolina is tied with Buffalo for the most points in the Eastern Conference with 92. That is 22 more points than Toronto has. The disappointing Maple Leafs have the second-fewest points in the Eastern Conference. This is the start of a three-game road trip for the Hurricanes with the Penguins and Canadiens on deck. So Carolina cannot afford to take the Maple Leafs lightly, despite Toronto going 2-10 in their last 12 games. Toronto ranks 29th defensively, allowing 3.4 goals per game, and gives up the most shots on goal. The Maple Leafs' mediocre offense isn't strong enough to make up for their poor defense, and they no longer have Auston Matthews. Toronto's team captain and goals leader is out for the season with a knee injury. Carolina has scored four or more goals in six of its last eight games. The well-rounded Hurricanes rank fifth in scoring and are ninth defensively. Look for them to take care of business here. Take the Hurricanes.

Not only are the Hurricanes the superior team here, but they also have a huge scheduling edge. Carolina has been home for the last eight days and hasn't played since Sunday. The Hurricanes have won each of their previous two games, both at home, 1-0 in overtime against the Flames and 5-1 against the Jets. The well-rested Hurricanes are 8-3-1 at home this season. Toronto is playing well despite numerous injuries. The Maple Leafs are 3-1 in their last four games. They still have seven fewer points on the season than Carolina. While the Hurricanes have enjoyed three full days of rest, Toronto will be playing for the fourth time in seven days. The teams met on Nov. 9 in Toronto. The Hurricanes trailed by two goals in the third period, but scored three unanswered goals to pull out a 5-4 win. Take the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes are playing well with wins in four of their last five games, including the past three. Carolina is fourth in goals and eighth in fewest goals allowed. Toronto has the third-most goals in the NHL, but the Maple Leafs' defense has not been up to par. Toronto is surrendering an average of 3.6 goals per game, which ranks 29th. Carolina is the more complete team and catching the Maple Leaves off a bad 5-3 home loss to the Bruins on Saturday. Toronto starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz was removed in the second period against the Bruins and replaced by Dennis Hildeby after Boston's fourth goal. Toronto coach Craig Berube may give Hildeby his first start of the season here. The Maple Leafs are giving up an average of 3.88 goals a game in their last seven games. They have permitted three or more goals in nine of their last 10 games. The Hurricanes are getting healthier as both forwards Eric Robinson and William Carrier returned to the lineup in their 6-3 win against Buffalo on Saturday. Take the Hurricanes.

Toronto's defense is 13th in goals allowed (2.85 per game) and fourth in save percentage (.910). The Maple Leafs are on a 6-1 run UNDER the total after a 1-0 win over Montreal. Carolina's defense is eighth in goals allowed (2.72 per game) and No. 1 in penalty killing. They've lost four of five with the offense tallying just 15 goals. Take Toronto/Carolina UNDER the total.