Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Time: 7:00 p.m Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SN, CBC, NESN
Tonight the Boston Bruins (20-16-4) renew their Original Six rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs (24-13-2). This is the third of four meetings between the teams this season, and final game being played in Toronto. So far the home team has won both games with Boston winning 4-3 in overtime on Oct.26, and Toronto winning 4-0 Nov.5. Will that trend continue tonight?
Boston Looking to Get Back in The Win Column
The Boston Bruins returned from the holiday break on a three game road trip. So far the trip has not gone according to plan for the Bruins and their fans. Boston has lost both games only scoring once a game. This is nothing new for the Bruins. They have had scoring troubles most of the season ranking twenty-ninth in the league in goals for with an average of 2.58. This issue has been compounded by a power play that just can’t seem to find any rhythm sitting at 12.9%.
One player could really help solve both problems is David Pastrnak. He is not scoring anywhere near the pace he has been accustom to. Since the start of December he has only scored 5 goals in 15 games. Luckily for the Bruins they have still gone 9-5-1 in the span. If they hope to climb up a loaded Atlantic Division they will need Pastrnak to get going. He has had plenty of success against the Maple Leafs so he is one to watch tonight.
Woll Carrying a Heavier Workload
Leafs Nation always enjoys a good goalie conversation. After the home-and-home with the New York Islanders Joseph Woll has given them something positive to talk about. He stopped 62 of 64 shots collecting two victories. He has won three straight since the Maple Leafs returned from the holiday break. His performance has been important with Anthony Stolarz still sidelined. Woll has been able to play more lessening concerns about his durability. Of course with Toronto playing in many of their league leading 16 back-to-back games each weekend Woll still does get some rest.
With Auston Matthews likely sidelined again expect David Kampf to get another chance in the top-6. While a bit of a square peg in a round hole he has centred Matthew Knies, and William Nylander the last couple games. He scored his second goal of the season Dec.31 against the Islanders. Kampf will also continue to play a bigger role on the penalty kill until Matthews returns.
Prediction
The Bruins enter tonight on a two game losing streak. The Maple Leafs enter on a two game winning streak. Either both streaks will continue or both will end. This rivalry game carries extra importance with the talent in the Atlantic Division. Woll will be facing the Bruins for the first time since he beat them in Game 6 of last years playoffs. It will be his job to keep Pastrnak quiet. Even so it is tough to imagine the Bruins only scoring one goal for the third straight game so the Leafs will need their secondary scoring from players like Kampf to continue in Matthews absence.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2 in overtime
Prop Bets of The Night
Pastrnak has had great success against Toronto scoring 20 goals in 30 games. He scored against the Leafs in their first meeting of the season. He is +140 to score in the game tonight. For Toronto Bobby McMann is hot scoring both goals in their last game. He is +350 to score. Under 5.5 goals scored in the game is +112.
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Main Photo: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Jan. 4 Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.