Welcome to another edition, on this the first day of the clocks being set back. Today our writers here at Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota Wild. We shall break down key matchups and provide analysis on what might decide the outcome of the game. Don’t forget to check out all the action throughout the 2024-25 here with our NHL Predictions.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs at Minnesota Wild, from Xcel Energy Center
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet Ontario, ESPN+
2023-24 Regular Season Series Toronto won (2-0)
The Toronto Maple Leafs Are off to a Strange Start
The Leafs still have some holes in their game, as evidenced last night against the St. Louis Blues. The Leafs power play continues to be a spot of weakness. Which is a big surprise. However, under head coach Craig Berube, it’s difficult to get the sense his practices are loaded with ‘extra’ work on the power play. Therefore, when the likes of Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Auston Matthews are options for your power play, it will come. It is just a matter of time.
The other aspect that is still building with the Leafs is their defence. They had a lot of turnover from last year, in hopes of making improvements. It can be tricky to getting into your rotation when the newcomers are given big time reps. Morgan Rielly is having a solid start to the season with six points through 12 games. In addition, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has the same amount of points, in the same number of games. If the team’s offence can find strategic deployment of their defence, it could really boost their total team offence. So, there are still some tweaks for coach Berube to look to make.
It is expected that the Leafs go with Anthony Stolarz in this one. Joseph Woll played last night against the Blues, surrendering the three goals. That was only Woll’s third game played thus far. Moreover, Stolarz has started the season hot. He’s 4-2-1, with a 2.45 GAA and a .916 SV%.
The Wild Ride
The Minnesota Wild have started the 2024-25 season very hot. They come in as formidable foes for the Leafs in this one in the second half of a road back-to-back.
One player that has been hot is the one that goes by the moniker of Dollah Bill. Kirill Kaprizov has over two points a game with 21 in ten. Needless to say, he’s firing on all cylinders. That means that his linemates are going too. Marco Rossi has nine points and Mats Zuccarello has 11. That line is fast, skilled, and tough to know how to defend. Look for them to continue to give the Leafs defence fits.
The other piece of the Wild that is hot is their expected goaltender for today’s game. Filip Gustavsson has regained his form. He’s 5-1-1, with a .919 SV% and a 2.29 GAA.
NHL Predictions: Wild and Leafs
The Leafs do need a rebound from last night’s performance in St. Louis. Look for them to come to play in this one, but Minnesota is playing so well. Assuming Kaprizov stays hot and Gustavsson does too, the Wild should sneak this one out.
Prediction: Wild win in regulation, 4-3.
According to Fanduel, the one’s very even, and both teams are at -110 on the moneyline. If you want to go over six goals like our prediction states, it is at -128. In any case, it should be a close game. As any time scorers, Matt Boldy is a good bet for Minnie, and Max Pacioretty makes sense for T.O.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton – USA TODAY Sports
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