Lock in for a cracking NHL matchup between top Atlantic Division contenders Tampa Bay Lightning and mid-table Toronto Maple Leafs, with puck drop set for 7:30 pm ET at the Scotiabank Arena.
The last time the two eastern teams clashed was last season on April 9, 2025, where the Maple Leafs snatched a close 4-3 OT victory at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.
The Lightning have had their work cut out for them this season as they continue to battle for a top spot in the Atlantic Division with a current 16-12 record with 34 points.
Since the team’s seven-game winning streak from November 18 came to a close, Tampa Bay has lost three straight to kick off December without any wins.
Their most recent game against the Islanders on Saturday resulted in a 2-0 home loss, while they look to pursue first place with a fresh victory here.
Toronto, on the other hand, presses on with its coarse season at fifth-place in the Atlantic Division with 30 points and a 13-15 record.
The Maple Leafs’ recent three-game winning streak was snipped short after suffering a 2-1 shootout loss to the Canadiens at home on Saturday.
The Lightning haven’t lost more than four games in a row this season and have won eight of their 13 away games to make up a goal differential of 15, the fourth highest in the NHL, as they come in here as slight +100 outsiders on the moneyline.
Tampa Bay has only failed to cover a +1.5 spread twice this season in all games and is due to snuff their losing streak.
While the Maple Leafs’ offense is strong this season, with 95 goals scored, they’ve allowed 93 in total and enter the rink as -120 favourites to win on the moneyline.
However, they’ve lost five home games in a row, dating back to November 8 against the Bruins.
All things considered, Tampa Bay will likely end its losing streak and easily cover a +1.5 puckline at -230, with its impactful defense and second-lowest number of goals allowed in the NHL at 73.
The Over/Under 5.5 goals is a close decision, but in addition to the Lightning’s low goals allowed (73), the team has seen an average of five goals scored in their last five games, with their recent bout against the Islanders on Saturday concluding with only two total goals.
The Maple Leafs’ last three straight games ended with six goals or fewer, with their most recent game finishing with just three goals, making the under 5.5 at +120 a good choice for this matchup.
The Lightning’s dangerous right winger Nikita Kucherov (12 goals and 22 assists), is unlikely to play here due to an ongoing injury.
Brandon Hagel (17 goals and 12 assists) will take up the mantle at +1000 to score anytime, as he’s netted five goals in his last five games.
On the other side of the ice, the Maple Leafs’ right winger William Nylander has had a respectable season so far with 11 goals and 21 assists, although he hasn’t found the back of the net for five straight games now.
You could put your faith in him, though, as he’s set to tuck one away anytime at +1100.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NHL on site.
Toronto Maple Leafs
-120
Tampa Bay Lightning
+100
Puck Line
TB Lightning +1.5
Total
O/U 5.5
Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)
+900
Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning)
+1000
Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning)
+1000
John Tavares (Toronto Maple Leafs)
+1100
William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs)
+1100
Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning)
+1400
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
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