It wasn't for a lack of trying. Auston Matthews took six shots on goal and rattled a pair off the iron vs. the Red Wings on Saturday. With the venue shifting to Toronto, we like the Maple Leafs captain to break through today.
NHL
We’ve got 10 games on the NHL betting slate tonight, including an Original Six matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings.
Auston Matthews hit two posts in the Saturday matchup against Detroit. Still, with the home-and-home shifting to Toronto, my Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs predictions expect him to find twine tonight at Scotiabank Arena.
Find out why with my free NHL picks for Monday, October 13.
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Red Wings vs Maple Leafs Best bet: Auston Matthews anytime goal (+110)
The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Detroit Red Wings for the second leg of a home-and-home.
Detroit won Saturday’s game in its barn, so Toronto is hoping to return the favor.
Although the Leafs are 1-1-0, the on-ice play hasn’t looked great. Toronto has a 38% xGF at 5-on-5. That cannot continue if the Leafs want to be a playoff team, and I expect the captain to be the one to lead them out of this early-season funk.
Auston Matthews failed to register a shot at 5-on-5 in the season opener, and then erupted for six against Detroit, proving to be far more dangerous than the game prior.
Along with the six shots on goal, Matthews ripped two pucks off the iron, as he hit a post and crossbar. He still hasn’t beaten a goaltender yet this season (scoring an empty-netter vs. Montreal), but the multitude of chances against Detroit suggests he should soon.
Matthews has had success against the Red Wings in the past, scoring seven goals over the last 10 meetings and 19 career tallies in 28 games.
Additionally, he’s getting a new linemate tonight with rookie winger Easton Cowan tagging in on his right side. Cowan is a solid facilitator and displayed strong playmaking skills in the preseason.
Moreover, with Cowan on his wing, I expect a little more offensive zone starts for the top line to ease the rookie into his debut. More time in the O-Zone means a higher likelihood of Matthews scoring.
I’ll also pair my Matthews production with an assist from Matthew Knies. He’s playing over 20 minutes a night with the top line and top power-play assignments alongside Matthews.
Finally, Morgan Rielly’s gone over this number in back-to-back games and seems to be re-energized this season by being back on the PP1. He’s got seven shots on goal through two games.
The Over is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings between these two clubs. Find more NHL betting trends for Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs.
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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