Toronto Maple Leafs vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions December 2nd 2024

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Chicago Blackhawks December 2nd 2024

Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. The game is starting at 7:30 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 6 goals, and the Maple Leafs are favored by -1.5 vs. the Blackhawks.

Chicago vs. Toronto Key Information

With a 4-2 win over the Ducks, Chicago improved to 8-14-2 this season. The Blackhawks, as underdogs on the puck line, covered the +1.5 goal spread. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 6 goals fell just short of that mark.

All four of Chicago’s goals came from different players, and they held the Ducks scoreless until the third period. The Blackhawks’ defense faced 39 shots, with Arvid Söderblom stopping 37 of them, giving him a 95.0% save percentage for the game.

Chicago’s offense netted four goals in their 4-2 win over Anaheim. Ryan Donato scored his 7th goal of the season, while Seth Jones added his second. Isaak Phillips opened the scoring for the Blackhawks, and Teuvo Teravainen followed with his 4th goal, which came on a power play.

Catch Tonight’s Winning NHL Picks! See what our experts say with the latest NHL hockey picks for tonight.

Chicago took 29 shots on goal and converted twice on power plays. Connor Bedard contributed with three assists, bringing his season total to nine. The Blackhawks had 12 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Blackhawks will look to carry over their performance from their previous game, where they allowed just two goals to the Ducks. Arvid Söderblom made 38 saves, posting a 95% save percentage. Chicago’s defense also recorded 6 takeaways and 5 hits. Both goals they allowed came in the 3rd period, including one with just 4 seconds remaining.

Following a 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild, the Maple Leafs are now 14-7-2. Toronto, the underdog on the puck line, saw the game’s total of 3 goals fall short of the pre-game line of 6.

Toronto gave up the first goal at 9:41 in the first period, but William Nylander responded with a goal at 19:08 in the same period. The Wild secured the win with a goal at 2:14 in overtime.

William Nylander netted his 9th goal of the season, scoring on a power play at 19:08 in the first period. Auston Matthews picked up his 6th assist, while Mitchell Marner added his 12th assist on the play.

Despite firing 28 shots on goal, the Maple Leafs were limited to just one goal. They recorded 10 offensive giveaways in the game.

Toronto’s defense gave up the first goal at 9:41 in the first period, but they held Minnesota scoreless until the Wild netted the game-winner at 2:14 into overtime. Goalie Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves with a 93.9% save percentage, while the defense recorded 30 hits and 2 takeaways.

For those seeking a straight moneyline bet, the Maple Leafs are the top choice. Nonetheless, with a payout of -364, you might want to use this bet as a part of a parlay to get better odds.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Blackhawks to cover. Even in the event of a Maple Leafs victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Blackhawks should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

Maple Leafs Host Blackhawks for 3-Game Home Stretch

The Toronto Maple Leafs will kick off a crucial three-game homestand on Monday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, fresh off a successful return from Auston Matthews. Toronto is eager to continue their momentum after a 5-3 road victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, with Matthews playing a key role in his first game back after a nearly four-week absence due to an upper-body injury.

Matthews Returns Strong in Win Over Lightning

Matthews made an immediate impact in his return, recording two assists, including one on Matthew Knies’ goal, as the Leafs secured a 5-3 win in Tampa Bay. Knies also returned from an upper-body injury after missing two games, and his presence was felt immediately as well. The pair, along with William Nylander, who scored an empty-net goal in the third period, helped propel Toronto to a comfortable win despite a late Lightning push.

“I felt fine,” Matthews said after the game. “As the game went on, I felt a little bit better. Still felt a little rusty, but I thought our line played pretty solid all around, and simple for the most part. And obviously, it feels good to chip in with some goals there.”

Toronto’s goaltender Joseph Woll also had a strong performance, making 38 saves to help secure the win. With Matthews back in the lineup, the Leafs showed strong offensive depth, and coach Craig Berube praised the team’s effort. “He did a lot of good things, same with Knies,” Berube said. “They both were really strong on pucks.”

The Leafs will hope Matthews can build on this performance as they face the Blackhawks at home on Monday, with Toronto looking to extend its winning streak to two games.

Blackhawks Struggling But Showing Promise

The Blackhawks (4-8-3) are coming off a 6-3 home loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, marking their second straight defeat. Chicago has been struggling of late, having lost eight of their last 11 games (3-7-1), but they have found some bright spots in rookie sensation Connor Bedard.

Bedard, who had a goal and an assist in the loss to Columbus, is starting to look more like himself after a slow start to the season. However, head coach Luke Richardson emphasized the need for improvement, particularly on the defensive side. “He can’t score one and give up two, right? Same as anybody else on the team,” Richardson said, noting that Bedard, like the rest of the team, must improve defensively.

Chicago did have some success on the power play against the Blue Jackets, scoring three times with goals from Bedard, Nick Foligno, and Craig Smith. However, the team allowed Columbus to answer almost immediately each time, which ultimately led to their defeat. “We have to be stronger in that. Today was the whole ball of wax put together,” Richardson added, stressing the need for discipline and focus.

Who’s Your Pick? Find out what our experts think with NHL picks today.

Despite the losses, the Blackhawks remain encouraged by Bedard’s development, and they’ll need him to continue his strong play if they are to compete with the Maple Leafs on the road.

Key Players

• Auston Matthews (TOR): Matthews’ return to the lineup was a significant boost for the Leafs. His offensive play, combined with his ability to contribute in the faceoff circle, makes him a crucial part of Toronto’s attack moving forward.
• Connor Bedard (CHI): Bedard has started to find his stride, and the Blackhawks will need him to continue producing offensively while also improving his defensive play.
• William Nylander (TOR): Nylander has been one of Toronto’s most consistent scorers this season and added an empty-netter in Saturday’s win. His continued success will be vital for the Leafs’ offensive depth.

Goaltending Battle

• Joseph Woll (TOR): Woll has stepped up as the No. 1 goaltender in recent games, and he’ll need to continue his solid play as the Leafs embark on a three-game homestand.
• Arvid Soderblom (CHI): Chicago’s No. 2 goaltender is expected to start after Petr Mrazek struggled against Columbus, allowing five goals on 35 shots. Soderblom has had success against Toronto in the past, earning two wins against them last season.

As the Maple Leafs open their homestand against the Blackhawks, they’ll look to build on their recent win while Chicago aims to break out of its slump. With Matthews and Knies back in the lineup, Toronto will be looking for a statement win, while the Blackhawks will try to ride Bedard’s continued growth to a much-needed victory.