NHL Picks: How to Bet the Maple Leafs' Huge Line vs. Arizona

Get Ready for a Big Monday

After 15 games on Saturday, the NHL took the day off on Sunday. Whatever the reason was, NHL teams got a free breather. 

To help with your NHL betting, let's look at what is happening with a few Canadian teams.

Arizona Coyotes at Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs face off against the Coyotes and Erik Kallgren will get the start in goal and not Ilya Samsonov. With Matt Murray on the LTIR, this gives Kallgren a chance to play. 

Even facing Toronto’s third-string goalie, Arizona is a resounding 5.19 underdog. The Maple Leafs are currently a favourite at 1.19, and the number could be worth watching just for perspective. The Maple Leafs are 2-1, and the Coyotes are 0-2. 

Yes, the Coyotes under Andre Tourigny are undergoing yet another “massive” rebuild. Arizona lost 50 games in 2021-22 and looks likely to exceed that mark this year. Early on, the Coyotes yielded 12 goals while scoring five. Meanwhile, Toronto averages three goals per game and gives up 2.67 per contest. 

When a game has as lopsided of a moneyline, Canadian Sports Bettors should have a little pause. Even the Puckline (-1.5 goals) is at 1.49. The Auston Matthews anytime goal prop rolls in at 1.63. Matthews is a native of Arizona. On the surface, finding even decent value feels like a challenge.

Other players' props may be a way to get around those numbers. Anytime goals from Michael Bunting of the Leafs or Clayton Keller of the Coyotes are around 3.00. Nick Schmaltz of Arizona is at 3.25. Be versatile tonight. 

Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens will be a bit up and down all season. Jake Allen is on maternity leave, so Cayden Primeau was called up for tonight’s game. That puts somewhat of a damper on what could be an “upset pick.” 

Montreal, and every team, got a rest on Sunday, which should help the Canadiens. Pittsburgh, historically, has some issues playing in Montreal. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for something like this. Yet, the losses have happened. Many pundits point out that qualifying round where the Canadiens shocked the Penguins, winning three out of four.

The question is, how does that translate to now? Pittsburgh routed Montreal last year 6-0 in Montreal, but that was before Martin St. Louis took over. The Canadiens stayed close to Toronto and won their first game but looked less stellar to Detroit in a loss on Saturday.

The entertainment factor again should reign supreme here. The Over is 1.87 here, set at 6.5 goals. Montreal is a semi-intriguing 3.22 on the Moneyline. Could Pittsburgh get caught napping a bit tonight? Look at some shot and goal player props tonight if one feels squeamish about the Canadiens. 

Nick Suzuki for an anytime goal at 3.25 is an excellent tiny wager to make while looking again at Jake Guentzel for shots, and the anytime goal from Pittsburgh has to be in play. Lastly, it does not hurt that the winger has 12 shots on goal in his first two games.

Some Random Wagers For Canadian Sports Bettors Tonight

Here are some early ideas:

• Toronto parlay - Matthews goal, moneyline, and Over 6.5 goals - 2.55
• Nick Suzuki anytime goal - 3.25
• Jake Guentzel Over 3.5 shots - 2.00

Good luck, and take a look at our previews and much more. 

Numbers are via Sports Interaction and BetMGM.