In recent games the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defence have not looked reliable, and now the team’s top scorer William Nylander will miss at least one game. That will be the one against the Detroit Red Wings.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Swedish forward’s productivity is significantly higher than that of any other player on the squad – 1.3 points per game. For example, captain Auston Matthews has 42 points in 43 games. In the most recent home game against the Minnesota Wild he scored with five minutes left in the third period to make it 3:5, but they could not do anything else after that. Conceding many goals has been a clear feature of their recent matches: since the start of last week, the hosts have allowed 24 goals in five games.
Detroit Red Wings
At the moment the Detroit Red Wings have a clear distinction between their first-choice and back-up goaltender. In January John Gibson has quite deservedly become the starter: he is on a run of six wins with an average save percentage of 92.7. When Cam Talbot has played, the team have not won, but in the game against the Boston Bruins (0:3) the veteran was still excellent with a 95% save percentage. Reliable defence allows Todd McLellan’s team to stay confidently in the top three of the Atlantic Division.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction
The Toronto Maple Leafs are sixth in the same division and are just outside the wild-card places. It is a game with three possible outcomes, but thanks to the more reliable goaltender (John Gibson is already confirmed to start), the Detroit Red Wings should take at least a point.
