The Toronto Maple Leafs will be unveiling new-look jerseys Wednesday night against you guessed it, the New Jersey Devils. Fitting opponent for a new jersey debut as the Leafs host the Devils in what is being dubbed their ‘Next Generation’ Game.
Jokes aside, it’s time for this Toronto team to get serious about stringing together a run of good play. With positioning in the Atlantic Division still very much up for grabs, the Leafs will be keen to put together some victories over an upcoming easy stretch. While GM Kyle Dubas was silent on deadline day, he did go out and acquire both Mark GIordano and Colin Blackwell from the Seattle Kraken the day prior. That veteran tandem should enhance the Leafs’ play without the puck, and better solidify their porous goaltending. It’s believed Petr Mrazek will return to the net tonight for Toronto, after being placed on waivers just a few days ago.
For the Devils, they’ll enter Toronto in a back-to-back spot, though have to be feeling good about their game after a thrilling blowout victory last night against the Rangers. The Devils are getting healthier down the stretch, and though this season hasn’t gone as planned, it’s easy to see how bright the future is in New Jersey. Jack Hughes is playing excellent hockey of late, and after a two-goal showing against the Rangers last night, the young American will be keen to put on a show against fellow US-born stud, Auston Matthews.
For added insight, a look at Toronto’s new uniforms, and all of the most up-to-date betting news, trends, and analysis – continue reading on beneath the posted odds. It should be a high-octane game Wednesday night in Toronto, as the Leafs play host to the Devils. Enjoy!
The Toronto Maple Leafs have unveiled a new reversible jersey designed with @drewhouse — co-founded by Justin Bieber — for their Next Gen game on March 23.
Thoughts on the threads?
? @MapleLeafs pic.twitter.com/dSdgTm6pjD
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) March 22, 2022
New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Live Odds & Betting History
*These odds are provided by BetOnline.ag
TEAM DATA | DEVILS | LEAFS |
Overall Record | 23-35-5 | 39-18-5 |
ATS Record | 29-34 | 26-36 |
Home/Away Record | 8-21-2 | 22-7-2 |
Goals Per Game | 3.1 | 3.7 |
Goals Against Per Game | 3.6 | 3.0 |
Shots On Goal Per Game | 32.6 | 34.1 |
Shooting % | 9.5 | 10.6 |
New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction:
While this year has definitely been a disappointing one for the Devils, this remains a young team certainly on the rise. Their offense is showing some real signs of life over the past few weeks, and getting healthy has certainly enhanced this team’s spirit. A huge comeback victory last night against Vezina candidate Igor Shesterkin has certainly sent this group into Toronto on a high – keen to play spoiler once again.
With the likes of Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Dougie Hamilton all in the fold, the Devils’ are now quite dangerous both with the man-advantage, and in the offensive zone. And while their defensive play and goaltending remain key issues, this New Jersey offense has netted 3.8 goals per game over their past twelve contests. Going against a Toronto team with weak goaltending and poor transition defense, count on the Devils to again put up some goals on Wednesday night.
Toronto counters knowing it’s time to flip that switch and start stringing together some positive results. And getting veteran bodies like Mark Giordano and Colin Blackwell should certainly help on that front. Toronto’s recent issues don’t stem from a lack of goal-scoring, or poor defensive play necessarily, as it’s mostly been on the porous play of their goaltenders. Jack Campbell hasn’t been good, and now he’s injured. Petr Mrazek has been downright embarrassing and wasn’t even claimed on waivers earlier this week. Erik Kallgren was playing in Sweden’s lower leagues just two seasons ago, and the jury remains out on him as well. With that said, it’s a mess between the pipes for Toronto. Mrazek is the presumed starter Wednesday night, but his save percentage in the .800’s is not inspiring much confidence.
With both teams’ riding good offensive streaks and boasting lethal top-six forward options, look for a fast-paced and attack-minded game. Neither Mrazek nor Jon Gillies have been anywhere near league average this season, and both Toronto and New Jersey have had no issues scoring of late. The total is high, but a play at Over 6.5 seems to be the value for tonight’s encounter.
Auston Matthews has missed five games this season and is still on pace for 62 goals.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 20, 2022
Devils vs. Leafs Trends To Know:
- Devils are 16-35 in their last 51 overall.
- Devils are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a win.
- Maple Leafs are 8-1 in their last 9 vs. Metropolitan.
- Over is 4-0 in Devils last 4 overall.
- Over is 4-1 in Devils last 5 vs. Atlantic.
- Over is 8-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 10 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
- Over is 5-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 7 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
- Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between these two teams.
Though it’s a juicy price on the Devils, the more sure-fire approach is to back the goals on Wednesday night. Both offenses have scored all season long, and should have big-time advantages over the opposing defensive groups and goalies at the Scotiabank Arena. Look for an exciting, back-and-forth affair between two of the league’s best attacks, and this number should sail over the total.