The 2023-24 NHL season is just getting underway, but the action has already been heating up in a hurry. That will only continue this week as the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday night.
These two teams don’t look to be extremely competitive on paper, but hockey is a sport that is always unpredictable by nature. It’s way too early to start to focus on the NHL standings, but teams want to find a way to get off to a good start. Here is a look at some information that will help you make a Blackhawks vs Maple Leafs prediction for this matchup on Monday night.
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Overall Game Info & Outlook
Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ont.
Date & Time: Monday, October 16th, 7:00 PM ET.
Where to Watch: ESPN and Sportsnet (Canada)
Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The NHL schedule has been tough for the Blackhawks to begin the year, as this will be their fourth straight road game. Chicago has been able to go 1-2 on the year through three games. Toronto comes into this game having won each of their first two games this season. The Maple Leafs have solid NHL odds when it comes to winning the Stanley Cup.
Chicago Blackhawks Preview
It has been a rough few seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks, and last year, the team went through a full on tank. Those efforts paid off in a big way for the Blackhawks, as they were able to get the top overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Chicago was able to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the season opener but have since dropped two straight games. The Blackhawks have been competitive in every game this year, but at some point, they need to find a way to win the game.
- The Chicago Blackhawks have been underdogs in all three games so far this season.
- The under has hit in three straight games that the Blackhawks have played in.
- Chicago has covered the 1.5-puck line as an underdog in two of their three games this season.
Connor Bedard leads the Blackhawks with three points this season, and the rookie superstar has already scored a goal. Bedard is extremely aggressive with the puck, and he will be looking to score on every shift in this game.
Chicago’s offense is struggling, averaging only 2.33 goals per game. They must improve their scoring capabilities to succeed this season. The Blackhawks have been able to slow down opponents, but that’s going to be a challenge in this game.
When making your Blackhawks vs Maple Leafs prediction, keep in mind that the only chance that the Blackhawks have to win this game is to slow down the action in this game and try to be physical. Chicago does have a number of veterans who know how to win games, and they won’t be intimidated by playing in Toronto in this matchup.
Toronto Maple Leafs Preview
Toronto has been a consistent team recently, but they aim to elevate their performance and achieve greater postseason success. The Maple Leafs have had a fantastic start to the season, winning both of their first two games in style.
Maple Leafs feel at ease on home ice as they’ve been playing at home since the regular season began. It has been two straight high-scoring games for the Maple Leafs, and they enjoy playing that style.
- The Maple Leafs have been the moneyline betting favorites in each of their first two games this season.
- Toronto has helped push the goal total to over in each of the first two games.
- Toronto has scored at least six goals in each of their two games in 2023.
Auston Matthews is having a huge season for the Maple Leafs, and they have only been on the ice twice. Matthews has had a hat trick in back-to-back games to begin the year, and he is one of the most talented players in the entire NHL.
Toronto wants to play extremely fast, and they are scoring over six goals per game. They are not going to be able to keep that pace up, but that’s something to keep an eye on when you bet on NHL games.
Toronto must figure out how to thwart rivals since they concede an average of 4.5 goals each game. The Maple Leafs face an opponent with limited talent but boasts a superstar who can capitalize on any opportunity presented.
Toronto is going to put up NHL stats on offense all season long, but look for them to try to control the puck and the action in this game against Chicago.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
BetNow: Toronto Maple Leafs -345
BetOnline: Toronto Maple Leafs -350
BetUS: Toronto Maple Leafs -345
Bovada: Toronto Maple Leafs -350
MyBookie: Toronto Maple Leafs -350
Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs Odds & Picks
Odds for this Matchup:
Recommended Pick: Chicago Blackhawks +260
If you are going to bet on the NHL at BetUS, then you want to be looking for some value in this game. Connor Bedard is going to be playing his second straight game in his home country of Canada, and he will be able to find some open space in this game.
You want to stay away from a big moneyline favorite when making NHL picks, and that’s where Toronto is at in this matchup. The Maple Leafs haven’t been extremely sharp all season long, and they are going to give up some bad goals in this game.
As for our Blackhawks vs Maple Leafs prediction, go with the Chicago Blackhawks at +260, as they are going to come up with a win in this game.
- Pick: Chicago Blackhawks ML (+260)
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