DiStefano's prediction: Matthews continues hot streak vs. Jets.
NHL
We have 10 games on the betting slate today, including a much-anticipated cross-conference matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets.
Auston Matthews is red hot, and he’s also been a thorn in the side of the Jets, making his +120 anytime goals odds a very appetizing market for tonight’s contest
Find out why with my Maple Leafs vs. Jets predictions and free NHL picks for Saturday, January 17.
Maple Leafs vs Jets best bet: Auston Matthews to score (+120 at Bet99)
Auston Matthews has scored more goals than anyone since the New Year, averaging a goal per game in that stretch, making his +120 anytime goal odds super attractive.
Matthews kicked off 2026 with arguably his best performance of the season, scoring his lone hat trick of the season, while finishing with four points in a 6-5 win against these very Winnipeg Jets.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and that hot play has continued onward, and Matthews has established himself as one of the league’s premier goal scorers again, leading the NHL with eight goals in as many games.
Over this same stretch, Matthews also leads the NHL in scoring chances and high-danger looks. His 21.4% shooting rate is among the highest in the league, too.
In essence, Auston Matthews is back.
Matthews has also had a lot of success against the Jets throughout his career.
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ sniper has 17 goals in 25 games against them, including seven tucks over the last five meetings between the two clubs.
Additionally, the Leafs seem to have solved Connor Hellebuyck more than most teams. He owns a lowly 3.11 GAA and a .904 SV% against Toronto, to go along with an 8-10-3 record.
He’s also been scored on 12 times by Matthews in their 20 meetings against one another, and I expect that number to grow to 13 goals tonight.
Matthews to score
Over 5.5
Hildeby Over 25.5 saves
Both of these teams have been playing in some barn burners lately, and I expect the same tonight. The Over has hit in three straight for both teams, and in the last three head to head meetings beaten Winnipeg and Toronto.
I’ll also take Dennis Hildeby to go Over his 25.5 posted save total. Toronto has allowed an average of 29.7 shots per game over its last 10 outings, including a 40-shot performance from Winnipeg when these two teams last met on January 1.
The Leafs are 7-3 on the moneyline in the last 10 meetings between these two clubs. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Jets.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Mike DiStefano joins Covers after a successful five-year stint with TSN. Distefano hosted Leafs Lunch, a Toronto Maple Leafs-centric radio show which featured a daily best bets segment where he found the biggest and best value plays of the night. He was also a weekly staple on TSN’s flagship radio/tv show “OverDrive” as a betting analyst during their NFL picks segment #TeamAl-DogForever.
A graduate of Centennial College’s Sports Journalism program, Mike has also contributed to the Canadian Baseball Network, FanSided, and The Hockey News.
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