Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs December 14th 2024

Betting on today’s Maple Leafs and Red Wings game? Catch the action at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI, as the Red Wings hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on NHLN. The Maple Leafs come into this Atlantic division matchup as the -1.5 goal favorite to pick up the win. Currently, the over/under for the game is at 6 goals.

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Toronto vs. Detroit Key Information

• Teams: Maple Leafs at Red Wings
• Where: Little Caesars Arena Detroit
• Date: Saturday, December 14th
• Betting Odds TOR -176 | DET +147 O/U 6

The Maple Leafs Can Win If…

Toronto fell to 18-9-2 after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild. The Maple Leafs were underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6 goals, with the combined score of 3 falling short of that mark.

All the scoring in regulation came in the first period. Minnesota struck first at 10:19, but William Nylander responded for Toronto, scoring with just 52 seconds left in the period. The Wild secured the win with a goal 2:14 into 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 of the year.

Toronto fired 28 shots on goal but was held scoreless after Nylander’s early contribution. The Maple Leafs had 10 giveaways in their 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild.

Toronto’s defense gave up the first goal at 9:41 in the first period and the game-winner at 2:14 in overtime. Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves with a 93.9% save percentage. The Maple Leafs’ defense also had 2 takeaways and 30 hits.

• Toronto will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 2-1 over their past three games. Their record vs the puck line in these matchups is less impressive at 1-2, while posting an over-under record of 1-2.
• Toronto has put together a record of 7-3 in their last ten games (regular season). The team’s record vs the puck line was just 4-6, in addition to an over-under mark of 3-7.

The Red Wings Can Win If…

Detroit improved to 11-14-4 with a 2-1 win over the Sabres. The Red Wings were favored on the puck line, but didn’t cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined score of 3 fell well short of that mark.

The Sabres scored first, but the Red Wings responded with two goals in the second period. Both of Detroit’s goals came on the power play, with Dylan Larkin finding the net each time.

Detroit’s offense managed 23 shots on goal but scored just twice in their 2-1 win over Buffalo. Both of their goals came on power plays, with Dylan Larkin netting his 6th and 7th goals of the season.

After a scoreless first period, the Red Wings found the net twice in the second. They recorded 15 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Red Wings gave up the first goal at 11:39 in the first period, but they shut out the Sabres after that, earning a 2-1 win. Cam Talbot made 31 saves with a 96.9% save percentage, and the defense added 4 takeaways and 11 hits.

• Through their last three regular season contests, Detroit has a record of 1-2. Against the spread, they have a strong mark of 2-1 along with an over-under record of 1-2.
• The Red Wings have gone 3-7 over their last ten regular season games. This includes going 9-1 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

If you’re considering a direct moneyline bet, the Maple Leafs is the choice to make. However, with a payout of -176, you might want to use this bet as a building block for a parlay.

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

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions

Frustrated Red Wings Seek Redemption Against High-Flying Maple Leafs

The Detroit Red Wings are gearing up to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night in a matchup that contrasts two teams heading in vastly different directions. Detroit enters the game mired in frustration, having lost six of their last seven outings. Meanwhile, Toronto continues to battle for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, riding the wave of recent success.

This game marks a crucial opportunity for Detroit to reset their season, particularly as they begin a pivotal stretch of home games leading into the holidays.

Detroit’s Struggles: Searching for Momentum

The Red Wings are in desperate need of answers as inconsistency and underperformance define their season.

A Season of Frustration

Detroit’s recent 6-5 shootout victory over Buffalo offered a glimmer of hope after a five-game losing streak. However, that spark was short-lived as they followed up with a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite the close scoreline for most of the game, two empty-net goals by Philadelphia underscored Detroit’s inability to capitalize on opportunities.

“Games like this are frustrating,” admitted captain Dylan Larkin. “It was a winnable game. We’re looking for consistency, and it’s really frustrating to not have an answer for that.”

Offensive Struggles Continue

The Red Wings’ offense has been underwhelming. Key players like Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko have failed to make significant impacts, scoring just one and four goals respectively in extended stretches of play. This lack of firepower has left Detroit unable to string together wins.

Defensive Gaps

On the defensive end, the team has struggled with allowing odd-man rushes, a recurring issue that coach Derek Lalonde emphasized needs immediate correction.

“We gave up too much, the odd-mans,” said Lalonde. “It’s about flipping these tight games in our favor, and that starts with limiting costly mistakes.”

A Critical Homestand for Detroit

Saturday’s game kicks off a stretch where the Red Wings will play seven of their next eight games at home. The team sees this as an opportunity to rally before Christmas.

“The guys in the room have to come together and start playing a consistent hockey game,” said Larkin. “This homestand is huge for us. We need to take advantage.”

Detroit’s ability to make the most of this stretch could define their season and determine if they remain in playoff contention.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Riding the Wave

In stark contrast to Detroit, the Toronto Maple Leafs are on solid footing as they battle for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Recent Success

Toronto enters the game with back-to-back victories, including a 2-1 overtime win against New Jersey and a 3-2 victory over Anaheim. These wins reflect the Maple Leafs’ ability to handle tight games and find ways to secure points.

Challenges and Depth

Despite their success, Toronto faces challenges, particularly with goaltender Anthony Stolarz leaving Thursday’s game due to a lower-body injury. Backup Joseph Woll stepped in admirably, making 19 saves and keeping Toronto on track.

“It’s kind of mixed emotions,” Woll said after the game. “Obviously, I feel for him, but at the same time, I’ve got a job to do.”

Key Contributions from Veterans

Veteran forward Max Pacioretty delivered a standout performance in the Anaheim game, recording two goals and an assist. Pacioretty’s resurgence is a boon for the Maple Leafs, as he continues to showcase the scoring touch that has defined his career.

“He’s a 30-goal scorer in this league,” said Toronto coach Craig Berube. “He plays a heavy game and has a knack for finishing around the net.”

Head-to-Head: What to Watch

In their first meeting this season, Toronto defeated Detroit 3-1, with John Tavares leading the way with two goals. The Red Wings will need to neutralize Toronto’s offensive weapons while finding ways to generate more scoring opportunities of their own.

Key Matchup

• Detroit’s Defense vs. Toronto’s Firepower: Detroit must tighten up their defense to prevent odd-man rushes and contain Toronto’s potent attackers like Tavares and Pacioretty.
• Special Teams Battle: With Toronto boasting a strong power play, Detroit’s penalty kill will need to rise to the occasion.

The Stakes for Detroit

For the Red Wings, Saturday’s game isn’t just another matchup—it’s a potential turning point. With a homestand offering a chance to regroup, a win against a division rival like Toronto could inject much-needed confidence and momentum into the locker room.

For Toronto, it’s about maintaining their strong position in the standings and continuing their push for Atlantic Division supremacy.

Final Thoughts

Saturday night’s game offers two contrasting narratives: a struggling Red Wings team desperate for answers and a Maple Leafs squad aiming to solidify their place at the top. While Detroit has home-ice advantage, Toronto’s recent form and depth make them formidable opponents.

The question remains: Can Detroit flip the script, or will Toronto’s dominance continue?