Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Picks

Losers of seven in a row, the Maple Leafs aren't making the playoffs barring a miracle. Toronto averages two goals a game during its losing streak, and star C Auston Matthews hasn't scored a goal in 11 straight games. Perhaps the Maple Leafs will get up for this game against Montreal, their long-time Canadian rival. Toronto has been good in one area this season - killing penalties, ranking fourth in the league in that category. Montreal relies on its seventh-ranked power play to produce goals. Montreal has been involved in some high-scoring games lately, but the last time it played Toronto, it was a low-scoring game, with the Canadiens winning 2-1 in a shootout on Dec. 6 in Toronto. The Maple Leafs haven't scored more than two goals in regulation during eight of their last 11 games. Take the UNDER.

It is somewhat revealing that even though the Canadiens have lost five in a row, they are solid favorites against the Maple Leafs. This speaks to Montreal's improvement this season despite the losing skid. It also lays bare Toronto's struggles. The Maple Leafs have lost six of their last seven games. They are one of the most banged-up teams in the NHL, both up front and on the blue line. The absence of Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Nicolas Roy has hurt their attack, and the defense is short-handed with Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo both out. Toronto has been at its worst on the road, going 1-5. The Maple Leafs were away favorites in their last two road games against the Blackhawks and the Bruins, but lost both. Toronto did beat Montreal, 5-2, in the previous meeting this season at home on opening night. This is a monster rivalry, so don't think the Canadiens have forgotten about that loss. Take the Canadiens. 

Montreal has a young team that had a losing road record last year. The defense was 22nd in goals allowed and 20th in save percentage. Talented and deep, Toronto was 27-13-1 at home last season and won the division. Captain Auston Matthews says he's healthy after an injury-plagued campaign, leading an offense that was seventh in goals scored (3.26 per game). The defense was eighth in goals given up and third in save percentage (.912). The Maple Leafs are 8-1-1 in the last 10 against the Canadiens, with five wins by more than one goal. Play Toronto on the puckline.