Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, having won five of their last six matches, host the Vegas Golden Knights at the Scotiabank Arena. Historically, the Golden Knights have not fared well here, suffering four defeats in six encounters. How will things play out this time?
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs deserve some praise. They consistently pick up points despite the absence of Auston Matthews (5+6). Mitch Marner has stepped up, registering 10 points in the last 6 matches with a plus-minus rating of (+4). Moreover, without Matthews, the power play has unexpectedly flourished, with Maple Leafs' special teams converting 9 of their last 25 opportunities, a 36% success rate.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights, on the other hand, are struggling to cope with the loss of their leader. Forward Mark Stone (6+15) is too integral to the team’s performance at both ends of the ice for his absence to go unnoticed. Stone has been out for over a week, during which time the Golden Knights have only managed to defeat clear underdogs the Anaheim Ducks and Utah Hockey Club, conceding an average of 3.6 goals per game. If we extend these numbers across the season, it resembles something like the Montreal Canadiens or Colorado Avalanche, which is alarming.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction
We suggest focusing on the individual total for the hosts. Recently, the Vegas Golden Knights conceded four goals to the Seattle Kraken, five to the Carolina Panthers, and another five to the Washington Capitals. Scoring four goals on home ice is familiar territory for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have surpassed an individual total of 3.5 in five of their last eight games. We’re betting on the Leafs’ offence.
