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Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Betting Preview
Toronto ended its six-game road trip with a 5-1 win in Carolina and returned home with confidence. The Maple Leafs went 4-2-0 on the swing despite losing Joseph Woll to a lower-body injury Thursday. Dennis Hildeby closed the game with nine third-period saves. Toronto’s puck movement, support play and four-line pace improved as the trip progressed.
The trip began with a 5-2 loss in Montreal on Nov. 22. Toronto wants payback.
Montreal has matched Toronto’s recent form with a 4-2-0 run of its own. The Canadiens beat Winnipeg 3-2 in a shootout Wednesday. Jakub Dobes stopped all three attempts and made 30 saves in regulation and overtime. Cole Caufield extended his point streak to nine games. Nick Suzuki pushed his streak to seven.
Toronto won the first meeting of the season 5-2 on Oct. 8.
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Matchup Breakdown
Toronto overview
The Maple Leafs generated early pressure in Carolina and scored on their first shot for the fourth straight game. Bobby McMann struck 53 seconds in. The Leafs have been sharp off the opening faceoff, a trend that challenges vulnerable defenses.
Auston Matthews added a goal, and Toronto’s depth continued to drive play. All four lines contributed throughout the trip. Their transition pace created mismatches and extended offensive zone time.
Woll’s injury is a concern. He has been strong since returning from a personal absence. With Anthony Stolarz also out, Hildeby steps into a larger role. Craig Berube praised Hildeby’s composure on Thursday.
Toronto must control the puck early and push the tempo before Montreal settles into structure.
Find more team data on the Maple Leafs page.
Montreal overview
Montreal rallied after consecutive blowout losses. Their win over Winnipeg restored confidence. Caufield and Suzuki continue to drive the attack with long scoring streaks and consistent zone entries. Evans, Slafkovský and the third line generated quality shifts Wednesday.
Dobes’ performance stabilized the group. He controlled rebounds, read lateral passes well and delivered in the shootout. Montreal needs that level of goaltending to keep pace with Toronto’s shot volume.
The Canadiens won the first meeting last week by dictating the forecheck and forcing turnovers. Repeating that formula requires discipline in neutral-zone gaps and strong backpressure.
Visit the Canadiens page for roster and metrics.
Injuries
Maple Leafs
- Joseph Woll — Questionable, lower body
- Anthony Stolarz — Out, upper body
Canadiens
- Several depth injuries entering the matchup; monitor updated listings on the team page.
Betting Trends
- Toronto 4-2 SU on the road trip
- Montreal 4-2 SU in last six
- Toronto scored on its first shot in four straight games
- Montreal’s top line on combined 16-game point streak
- Toronto 5-1 SU in last six vs Montreal
Latest Betting Trends
Toronto’s offensive timing is crisp. Their early-game conversion streak matters. Montreal leans on its top line and requires Dobes to absorb high-danger looks. Both teams enter with confidence but Toronto’s pace edge is clear.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Toronto returns home in rhythm. Their forward depth supports clean exits and extended pressure. Montreal depends heavily on one line and elite goaltending to stay in range.
Projected score: Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 2
Best Bet: Maple Leafs (moneyline)
Total Lean: Under, based on Toronto’s improved defensive structure and Montreal’s reliance on controlled shifts rather than volume.
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