The Detroit Red Wings take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto tonight, in what we think will be an interesting clash of playing styles on the ice.
The Maple Leafs have the scoring advantage heading into this one, averaging 3.1 goals per game to the Red Wings' 2.8. Despite this, Detroit has been effective recently, winning 4 of their last 5 games against Toronto, which include both home and away games.
With these two powerhouses duking it out in Scotiabank Arena, we figured you’d want to get into the prop betting action for yourself.
Player Prop Odds: -154
Mitchell Marner has been a key playmaker for the Maple Leafs throughout the season, and he's in a good spot to continue that trend tonight.
Although the -154 odds to notch an assist may seem on the low end for value seekers, Marner’s playmaking skills are well worth it. It feels like a sure-shot bet and a quick way to build a little bankroll.
In past games against Detroit, he’s managed to rack up points by setting up goals for his linemates like Auston Matthews and William Nylander. These two are some of Toronto's most consistent shooters.
The Leafs' top line will be critical against a Detroit team that allows an average of 3 goals per game.
With Marner’s ice intellect and the Red Wings’ tendency to give up goals, we can’t see any other outlook but for Marner to hit the over on 0.5 assists and continue being the engine of Toronto's offense.
Player Prop Odds: -162
Okay, we get it. These odds aren’t the best, either, but again, it’s a quick win if you want it.
Dylan Larkin has been one of the most reliable point scorers for Detroit. This is especially true in big games on the road against divisional rivals like the Maple Leafs.
At -162, Larkin’s odds aren’t exactly generous, we get it, but given his current streak and history in big road matchups, this bet has solid backing.
He’s brought in at least 1 point in 9 of his last 10 road games against Atlantic Division opponents. He simply knows how to show up in these crucial games.
Given that Toronto is also middle-of-the-pack defensively as they’re allowing nearly 2.8 goals per game, Larkin’s playmaking will shine through. We think he’ll come out big on the power play where the Red Wings have been effective at converting chances.
Larkin at over 0.5 points is a good bet no matter how you cut it.
Player Prop Odds: -+195
For a higher-value prop for those who love the plus odds, we’re looking to Alex DeBrincat to find the back of the net.
DeBrincat has been a goal-scoring threat all season and has scored in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when they've been underdogs. And guess what? They’re the underdogs.
He has an eye for the net, and Toronto has shown some inconsistency on defense and between the pipes, which could give him the space he needs to make an impact.
At +195, we see nothing but solid upside with DeBrincat as an anytime scorer, especially since he’ll be facing a Toronto team that can get caught out of position on counterattacks which is an area where he excels.
With Detroit needing offensive production to keep up with Toronto’s dominant forward lines, we expect DeBrincat to get some good chances to make his mark on the scoresheet tonight.
Totals Odds: -108
While both teams have been effective at scoring, when we take a look at recent trends we lean towards the under for tonight’s matchup.
Toronto has seen the under hit in each of their last 4 home games against opponents on winning streaks. Detroit is coming in pretty hot and 4 of their last 5 road games after a win have also gone under.
With Toronto’s defense being pretty decent, and Detroit’s recent defensive improvements over the past few weeks, we see this game staying tight and low-scoring.
Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena has, oddly enough, been a spot for lower totals when these two teams meet. With both teams’ average goals per game sitting right around six, we could easily see a slower-paced game where each side struggles to break down the other’s defense.
Taking the under 6 goals at -108 is a strong bet here, as a 3-2 or 4-1 finish is looking fairly realistic.
BettorsInsider Prediction: Maple Leafs 3, Red Wings 2
In a close one, the Maple Leafs should be able to pull out this win on their home ice, but expect it to stay under 6 goals with both teams tightening up defensively.