Toronto Maple Leafs at. Montreal Canadiens Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/9/2024 7:00 PM EST
We have your Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the road to face the Montreal Canadiens.
Toronto Maple Leafs at. Montreal Canadiens Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Toronto Maple Leafs -176 (FanDuel) / Montreal Canadiens +160 (bet365)
Best Puck Line Odds: 1.5 - Toronto Maple Leafs +138 (FanDuel) / Montreal Canadiens -155 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under +100 (bet365) / Over -114 (BetRivers)
Game Info
Date: 10/9/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Bell Centre (Montreal, QC)
TV: ESPN+
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the past two seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens have faced each other three times. Toronto emerged victorious in all three encounters, demonstrating a consistent edge over Montreal. The games were played between October 2023 and April 2024, with Toronto winning twice as the visiting team and once at home. In terms of betting outcomes, Toronto covered the spread once, while Montreal managed to cover it twice. The games have generally leaned towards lower scoring, with the total going under the set line in two of the three matchups, and only one game exceeding the over-under line.
The most recent game took place on April 6, 2024, where Toronto secured a 4-2 victory over Montreal. The game saw a flurry of goals in the second period, with Toronto taking a commanding 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Max Domi, Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Bobby McMann. Montreal attempted a comeback with goals from Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Toronto outshot Montreal 30 to 26, and both teams were disciplined with three penalties each, totaling nine penalty minutes. Toronto's power play was ineffective, failing to score on their single opportunity, while Montreal capitalized on their lone power play chance. The faceoff battle was closely contested, with Montreal slightly edging Toronto by winning 50.9% of the draws.
In the October 11, 2023, matchup, Toronto managed a narrow 6-5 victory in overtime against Montreal. Despite being the underdog, Montreal put up a strong fight, leading at various points in the game. However, Toronto's offensive prowess, highlighted by their 42 shots on goal, eventually secured the win. The game was an outlier in terms of scoring, with the total goals reaching 11, significantly surpassing the over-under line. In the March 9, 2024, game, Toronto again emerged victorious with a 3-2 win. The game was tightly contested, with Toronto as the favorite, and the total score fell under the set line. Toronto's defense was solid, allowing only 31 shots on goal, while their goaltender, Ilya Samsonov, made 29 saves to help secure the win.
Toronto Maple Leafs at. Montreal Canadiens Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are set to renew their storied rivalry as they face off in the 2024-25 NHL season opener at the Bell Centre. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to set the tone for the season ahead. The Maple Leafs, under the new leadership of head coach Craig Berube, have made significant changes in the offseason, including the acquisition of veteran defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Chris Tanev. These additions aim to bolster Toronto's defensive capabilities, which will be crucial against a Canadiens team looking to make a statement.
Montreal, on the other hand, enters the season with tempered expectations after missing the playoffs last year. The Canadiens have added offensive firepower with the acquisition of Patrik Laine, although his unfortunate preseason injury will sideline him for the next few months. This absence places additional pressure on Montreal's top line, featuring Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield, to deliver against a formidable Toronto squad. The Canadiens will also rely on young talents like Lane Hutson and Emil Heineman to step up and make an impact.
In goal, Toronto's Joseph Woll will look to build on his solid road performances from last season, where he posted a 2.36 GAA and .928 SV% in away games. Meanwhile, Montreal's Sam Montembeault will aim to improve his record against the Leafs, having struggled in previous encounters. The Canadiens' defense, led by Arber Xhekaj, will need to be vigilant, especially with the potential for physical play following the preseason incident involving Laine.
As the puck drops, all eyes will be on how the Maple Leafs' new-look roster gels under Berube's guidance and whether the Canadiens can rise to the occasion without their star acquisition. With both teams eager to start the season on a high note, this clash is set to be a captivating chapter in their historic rivalry.
Toronto Maple Leafs at. Montreal Canadiens Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline
The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to continue their dominance over the Montreal Canadiens as they face off in the 2024-25 season opener. Historically, the Maple Leafs have had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning all three encounters over the past two seasons. This includes a decisive 4-2 victory in their most recent meeting on April 6, 2024, where Toronto's offensive depth was on full display with contributions from key players like Auston Matthews and Max Domi.
Toronto's offseason moves have further strengthened their roster, particularly on the defensive end with the acquisitions of Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Chris Tanev. These additions are expected to solidify a defense that already showed promise last season. Under the new leadership of head coach Craig Berube, the Maple Leafs are likely to bring a fresh and aggressive approach to their game, which could prove challenging for a Canadiens team that struggled defensively last season.
On the other hand, the Montreal Canadiens are entering this matchup with significant challenges. The absence of their star acquisition, Patrik Laine, due to a preseason injury, leaves a void in their offensive lineup. While the Canadiens will rely on their top line of Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield, the pressure on these young players to perform against a formidable Toronto defense is immense. Additionally, Montreal's goaltender, Sam Montembeault, has historically struggled against the Leafs, with a concerning 4.90 GAA and .821 SV% in previous starts against Toronto.
Given these factors, the Maple Leafs are well-positioned to secure a victory in this season opener. Their recent track record against Montreal, combined with strategic roster enhancements and a new coaching philosophy, makes them the favored choice on the moneyline. As the puck drops at the Bell Centre, expect Toronto to assert their dominance and continue their winning streak against their historic rivals.
Toronto Maple Leafs at. Montreal Canadiens Top Player Prop Picks
Auston Matthews Over 4.5 Shots On Goal -122 (BetRivers)
Auston Matthews is known for his offensive prowess and ability to generate shots on goal, making the over on his shots prop an enticing option. Historically, Matthews has been a key contributor in the Maple Leafs' matchups against the Canadiens, and with Toronto's recent dominance over Montreal, he is likely to be heavily involved in the offensive play. The Canadiens' goaltender, Sam Montembeault, has struggled against Toronto in the past, which could lead to more opportunities for Matthews to test him early and often. Given Matthews' role as a primary shooter and his track record, the over on 4.5 shots on goal is a strong play.
Mitchell Marner Over 0.5 Assists -125 (BetMGM)
Mitchell Marner's playmaking ability is a crucial component of the Maple Leafs' offensive strategy, and his propensity to set up his teammates makes the over on his assists prop a compelling choice. Marner has consistently been among the league leaders in assists, and with Toronto's potent offensive lineup, he is well-positioned to add to his assist tally in this matchup. The Canadiens' defense will have their hands full with Toronto's depth, and Marner's vision and passing skills should allow him to exploit any defensive lapses. With the Maple Leafs expected to control much of the play, Marner's chances of recording an assist are high.
Sam Montembeault Over 28.5 Goaltender Saves -125 (BetMGM)
Despite his struggles against the Maple Leafs in previous encounters, Sam Montembeault is likely to face a high volume of shots in this game, making the over on his saves prop an attractive option. Toronto's offensive firepower, led by players like Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner, will test Montembeault throughout the game. In past matchups, the Maple Leafs have consistently outshot the Canadiens, and with Toronto's aggressive style of play, Montembeault will need to be sharp to keep his team in the game. Given the expected shot volume, the over on 28.5 saves is a logical choice for Montembeault.