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The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Boston Bruins in an Original Six, Saturday night tilt, that always means more! Welcome back to NHL Predictions with the Last Word On Hockey crew. Each day, we breakdown the matchups, stats, storylines, and predictions. Today, we focus on a Leafs team still trying to build consistency (8-5-1) and a Bruins squad (9-7-0) that’s finding its reset with a new identity, as both sides look to shape momentum heading into mid-November.
2025-26 Head to Head: Leafs 0-0 Bruins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Toronto is averaging 3.71 goals-per-game while allowing 3.57 goals-per-game, not elite defensively, but strong on offence. That has them ranked second and 29th, respectively.
Boston is putting up about 3.19 goals-per-game and allowing 3.31, ranking 15th and 24th, respectively, in those categories.
The Leafs have home-ice advantage and some offensive momentum. Toronto thrives at home in rival matchups and brings a more explosive scoring rate. Boston’s recent defensive numbers leave them exposed when the pace is turned up. It could spell trouble for the Bruins.
Furthermore, the game has an expectation of a high pace. Recent Leafs-Bruins games often hit the over, in terms of total goals. The pace both teams can play at suggests a game with six or more goals is likely. Don’t expect that trend to deviate too far from the norm.
Finally, putting it altogether seems to give the Maple Leafs the matchup advantage. Toronto’s firepower forces matchups and defensive adjustments. In their top-line combinations and offensive sets, they should outpace Boston’s backend if they execute.
The Leafs do have some defensive vulnerabilities. They are allowing 3.57 goals-per-game, meaning any lapse could potentially spell trouble. If Boston can control the neutral zone and keep Toronto from sustained zone time, the Leafs may be tested.
The Bruins will be in reset mode. Boston is operating in transition, with less structure, more urgency. That can lead to breakdowns and unpredictability. That chaos, if harnessed, can disrupt Toronto’s attack and lead to good things for Boston.
Next, we will look at both teams and the injury watch. Chris Tanev remains out for the Leafs with an upper-body injury, and Simon Benoit is listed day-to-day with an illness. Elias Lindholm and Jordan Harris are out for the Bruins, both listed week-to-week with lower-body injuries. John Bleecher is also listed day-to-day.
Final Score Prediction: Maple Leafs win 6-3
Toronto gets a strong start, uses home-ice energy, and hangs on despite a Bruins push.
Best Betting Angles:
Moneyline: Maple Leafs win
Total Goals: Over 6.5 — both teams trending toward higher scoring in their meetings.
For Toronto, a win here helps reinforce confidence, especially after a start that’s shown promise but not dominance. Cementing results in rivalry games builds identity. For Boston, an upset win on the road would send a message that their reset and roster tweaks are real, but failing to keep pace raises bigger questions about direction. In a league where momentum matters and rivalries stoke fire, this game isn’t just about two points. This game is more about defining rhythm, confidence, and where each team stands.
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Nicholas Giannone is a writer for Last Word on Sports, covering the Toronto Maple Leafs for the NHL department with a focus on team performance, player development, and organizational trends. Nicholas has a past in sports writing as he has written recaps for Albion College, as well as the Hockey Writers. He joined LWOS in 2025. Nicholas is currently pursuing a degree in Sport Management with a minor in Marketing and Integrated Communications at Albion College. His combination of academic insight and hands-on media experience allows him to provide thoughtful, data-driven coverage of the Maple Leafs and the NHL.
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Nov 9, 2025
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