Canucks: Odds and predictions vs. Maple Leafs (December 18)

The Vancouver Canucks have been victors in six consecutive matches. Vancouver, along with the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins have won six straight and all three are the longest winning streaks in the NHL.  After beating the San Jose Sharks by a score of 5-2, the Canucks remain undefeated under new head coach Bruce Boudreau. On Saturday night, Vancouver will face their toughest matchup yet under the new regime when the red-hot Toronto Maple Leafs visit town in a marquee must-watch game.

After a difficult matchup in the ‘Shark Tank’ on Thursday, the Canucks will return to Rogers Arena to play the Leafs. New COVID-19 restrictions in BC mean the building can only hold a 50% capacity but it won’t come into effect until Monday so the game against the Leafs and the one against Arizona Coyotes on Sunday will still have full capacity.

Vancouver, now 14-15-2 on the season, remain 7th in the Pacific Division and are currently three points outside of the 2nd wildcard spot in the Western Conference.

Their opponent, the Toronto Maple Leafs, are 20-8-2 and tied for first in the Atlantic Division. Despite the Leafs noted failure in the the postseason over the last few years in particular, Toronto are proven juggernauts during the regular season.

The Leafs, led by head coach Sheldon Keefe, are suffering from COVID-19 related-issues like most of the NHL is, with John Tavares and Alex Kerfoot in the leagues protocol.

Vancouver added Tyler Motte to the COVID-19 protocol on Friday morning, adding to their group of players and assistant coach Jason King already sidelined.

One of the biggest x-factors coming into Saturday’s game is the Leafs red-hot power play, and whether or not the Canucks will be able to keep them off the score sheet. Led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander, Toronto’s man-advantage clicks at a rate of 30.6%, the 2nd highest in the league.

When the puck drops on Saturday night, NHL fans will be treated to a matchup between two of the leagues hottest-goaltenders when its expected that Thatcher Demko and Jack Campbell will man the respective creases.

The odds for Saturday’s game between Toronto and Vancouver are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of FanSided.

Maple Leafs vs. Canucks Odds and Totals:

Moneyline:

Canucks +115

Maple Leafs -135

Total:

6.0 goals (over +105 // under -125)

Puckline:

Canucks +1.5 at -200

Maple Leafs -1.5 at +170

Maple Leafs vs. Canucks Prediction:

The Canucks are going to lose a game under Bruce Boudreau sooner rather than later. Whether that comes Saturday night, I’m not too sure, but there’s a high chance it does. This game will be tight all the way through given the way Vancouver have played thus far under the new staff, but Toronto has some of the best game-breakers in the league who are capable of making all the difference in these types of games. I’m less confident the Canucks are able to keep the winning streak going through Saturday night, but I expect them keep the game close at the very least.

Pick: Canucks +1.5 at -200

What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Leafs and Canucks? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!