Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/2/2025 7:30 PM EST

We have your Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the road to face the New York Islanders.

Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Toronto Maple Leafs -115 (DraftKings) / New York Islanders +100 (BetRivers)
Best Puck Line Odds: 1.5 - Toronto Maple Leafs +210 (FanDuel) / New York Islanders -265 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 6.0 - Under -120 (bet365) / 5.5 - Over -125 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 1/2/2025
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: UBS Arena (Elmont, NY)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders have faced off five times, with the Islanders emerging victorious in four of those encounters. The games have been a mix of home and away victories, with the home team winning three times and the visiting team securing two wins. The Islanders have consistently outperformed the Maple Leafs against the spread, covering in four out of the five games, while Toronto managed to cover the spread only once. In terms of scoring trends, the games have leaned slightly towards higher-scoring affairs, with the total going over the set line in three instances and under in two.

The most recent matchup between these two teams took place on December 31, 2024, where the Toronto Maple Leafs secured a 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders. The game saw Toronto as the home team and the favorite, with a closing moneyline of -148 compared to the Islanders' +121. The Maple Leafs took an early lead with a first-period goal by David Kampf, assisted by William Nylander and Chris Tanev. The Islanders managed to equalize in the second period with a goal from Jean-Gabriel Pageau, but Toronto quickly regained the lead with a goal from Steven Lorentz. John Tavares sealed the win with a late third-period goal. Toronto's disciplined play was evident, as they only took two penalties compared to the Islanders' six. Despite being outshot 31 to 25, the Maple Leafs capitalized on their opportunities and maintained a strong defensive performance, with goaltender Joseph Woll making 30 saves for a .968 save percentage.

In terms of individual performances, Ilya Sorokin was in goal for the Islanders in the most recent game, facing 24 shots and making 22 saves, resulting in a .917 save percentage. The Islanders struggled on special teams, failing to convert their single power play opportunity, while the Maple Leafs capitalized on one of their four power play chances. Throughout the five games, the Islanders have shown a tendency to generate more shots on goal, but the Maple Leafs have demonstrated resilience in their defensive play. As the teams prepare to face each other again on January 2, 2025, these historical statistics provide a backdrop for what could be another competitive matchup.

Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders Preview

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders are set to clash once again, completing their home-and-home series at UBS Arena. The Maple Leafs, fresh off a 3-1 victory over the Islanders, are looking to extend their winning streak and maintain their position at the top of the Atlantic Division. Despite the absence of their star player, Auston Matthews, who remains sidelined with an upper-body injury, Toronto has shown resilience. John Tavares has stepped up in Matthews' absence, extending his point streak to eight games, and the team has relied on a strong defensive strategy, allowing fewer than three goals per game this season.

On the other hand, the Islanders are eager to bounce back from their recent defeat and improve their standing in the Metropolitan Division. With a struggling offense that ranks among the lowest in the league, New York has found it challenging to find the back of the net consistently. The return of key players like Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair has not yet translated into the offensive boost the team desperately needs. However, the Islanders have shown flashes of potential, as evidenced by their six-goal performances against both the Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins in December.

As the teams prepare for their rematch, the Maple Leafs will aim to capitalize on the Islanders' defensive vulnerabilities, particularly their league-worst penalty kill. Meanwhile, the Islanders will need to tighten up defensively and find a way to generate more scoring opportunities. With both teams having something to prove, this matchup promises to be a competitive and potentially high-scoring affair, setting the stage for an exciting evening of hockey.

Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders Pick: Total Goals Over

As the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders prepare to face off once again, the potential for a high-scoring game is evident. Despite the absence of Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs have managed to maintain a competitive edge, largely due to the offensive contributions of John Tavares, who is currently on an eight-game point streak. Toronto's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was showcased in their recent 3-1 victory over the Islanders, where they demonstrated efficiency in converting chances, even while being outshot.

The Islanders, on the other hand, have shown flashes of offensive potential, particularly in their six-goal performances against both the Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins in December. Although their offense has struggled overall, the return of key players like Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair provides hope for a resurgence. The Islanders' defensive vulnerabilities, especially their league-worst penalty kill, present an opportunity for the Maple Leafs to exploit and increase the scoring tally.

Historically, matchups between these two teams have leaned towards higher-scoring affairs, with the total going over the set line in three of their last five encounters. The Islanders' recent form, coupled with the Maple Leafs' strategic focus on maximizing scoring chances, suggests that this game could see a flurry of goals. With both teams eager to prove themselves and improve their standings, the stage is set for an exciting and potentially high-scoring contest, making the over on the total goals a compelling pick.

Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders Top Player Prop Picks

John Tavares Over 2.5 Shots On Goal -143 (BetRivers)

John Tavares has been a pivotal player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially in the absence of Auston Matthews. With an impressive eight-game point streak, Tavares has been a consistent offensive threat. His ability to generate shots on goal is crucial for the Maple Leafs, who are looking to maintain their position at the top of the Atlantic Division. Given the Islanders' defensive struggles, particularly their league-worst penalty kill, Tavares is likely to find opportunities to shoot. The odds of -143 at BetRivers reflect his potential to exceed the 2.5 shots on goal line, making this a compelling prop bet.

Mathew Barzal Over 0.5 Points -132 (FanDuel)

Mathew Barzal's return to the Islanders' lineup has been a significant boost, even if the results haven't fully materialized yet. Despite the team's offensive struggles, Barzal remains a key playmaker and is poised to contribute against a Maple Leafs team that has shown some defensive vulnerabilities. With the Islanders eager to bounce back from their recent defeat and improve their standing, Barzal's ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial. The odds of -132 at FanDuel suggest a favorable chance for Barzal to register at least one point in this matchup.

William Nylander Over 3.5 Shots On Goal -105 (DraftKings)

William Nylander has been a consistent performer for the Maple Leafs, and his role becomes even more critical with Auston Matthews sidelined. Nylander's ability to generate shots is well-documented, and he has been instrumental in Toronto's offensive efforts. In their recent victory over the Islanders, Nylander was involved in key plays, and his presence on the ice is a constant threat. With the Islanders' defensive issues, particularly their penalty kill, Nylander is likely to find ample opportunities to shoot. The odds of -105 at DraftKings make this an attractive prop bet, as Nylander is expected to exceed the 3.5 shots on goal line.