Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions December 27th 2024

Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs December 27th 2024

Planning on watching 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 ESPN+. The Maple Leafs are favored by -1.5 in this Atlantic division showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 5.5 goals.

Toronto vs. Detroit Key Information

• Teams: Maple Leafs at Red Wings
• Where: Little Caesars Arena Detroit
• Date: Friday, December 27th
• Betting Odds TOR -150 | DET +123 O/U 5.5

The Maple Leafs Can Win If…

The Maple Leafs fell to 21-12-2 after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild. Toronto, the underdog on the puck line, saw the total of 3 goals fall short of the pre-game line of 6.

After the Wild scored first, the Maple Leafs tied it up with 0:52 left in the first period. Neither team scored in the second or third periods, but the Wild secured the win with a goal at 2:14 in overtime.

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

Toronto fired 28 shots on goal but struggled with giveaways, tallying 10 in the game.

Defensively, the Maple Leafs will look to bounce back after allowing the game-winning goal 2:14 into overtime against the Wild. They also gave up the first goal at 9:41 in the first period. Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves with a 93.9% save percentage, while Toronto’s defense added 2 takeaways and 30 hits.

• Across Toronto’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 1-2. This includes going 1-2 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 3-0.
• Toronto has put together a record of 5-5 in their last ten games (regular season). Across these games, their puck line record was just 4-6, while posting an over-under record of 6-3-1.

The Red Wings Can Win If…

Detroit improved to 13-17-4 with a 2-1 win over the Sabres. The Red Wings were -1.5 goal favorites, but didn’t cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 3 goals fell well short of that mark.

After giving up a goal in the first period, the Red Wings responded with two goals in the second. Both of Detroit’s goals came from Dylan Larkin and were on the power play.

Detroit’s offense was held scoreless in the first period but found the net twice in the second, both on power plays. Dylan Larkin was the lone goal scorer for the Red Wings, bringing his season total to 6 and 7 goals. He took 4 shots on goal in the game.

Lucas Raymond picked up his 10th assist of the season on Larkin’s second goal, while Patrick Kane earned his 6th assist on the first. The Red Wings took 23 shots on goal but also had 15 giveaways.

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

• Across Detroit’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 0-3. In these contests, the team went just 0-3 against the spread, while going 1-2 on the over-under.
• Detroit has put together a record of 3-7 in their last ten games (regular season). In these contests, the team went just 6-4 against the spread, while going 3-6-1 on the over-under.

The Lean

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Maple Leafs to come out with a win against the Red Wings while playing on the road. Considering the moneyline odds at -150, I’m placing my bet on the Maple Leafs to win outright.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Red Wings to cover. Even if the Maple Leafs manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Red Wings should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 5.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

Red Wings Unveil New Leadership, Host Maple Leafs in Reset Game

The Detroit Red Wings will embark on a new chapter as they face the Toronto Maple Leafs at home on Friday. Following a disappointing start to the season, the Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde and associate coach Bob Boughner on Thursday, ushering in experienced NHL bench boss Todd McLellan to revitalize the team.

Detroit Red Wings: Searching for Direction

The Red Wings find themselves second-to-last in the Eastern Conference, struggling with consistency and offensive production. A 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Monday marked their third straight defeat and prompted sweeping changes in leadership. Todd McLellan, known for his disciplined systems and ability to turn teams around, now takes the reins.

Captain Dylan Larkin voiced the team’s frustrations following their latest loss, calling for a renewed commitment to competing. The Red Wings have averaged just 2.5 goals per game this season, with 11 games featuring one goal or none—a glaring issue McLellan will need to address immediately.

Detroit’s defensive core has been weakened by injuries to Simon Edvinsson and Ben Chiarot, both sidelined with upper-body ailments. With three home games remaining in 2023, the Red Wings will need to capitalize on home ice to spark momentum.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Seeking Stability

The Maple Leafs enter the matchup looking to rebound after back-to-back losses to the New York Islanders (6-3) and Winnipeg Jets (5-2). Toronto has struggled in third periods, allowing three goals in the final frame against Winnipeg, including a hat trick by Mark Scheifele.

Despite the setbacks, Toronto remains just two points behind Florida for first place in the Atlantic Division. High-scoring forward Auston Matthews has missed the last two games due to an upper-body injury, and his availability for Friday remains uncertain. Even without Matthews, the Leafs boast a potent offense led by John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Tavares has tallied five goals and six assists in his last seven games, while Marner has recorded an assist in six consecutive outings.

Key Storylines

Detroit’s Reset Under Todd McLellan

McLellan’s debut as head coach comes at a critical juncture for the Red Wings, who need to rediscover their competitive edge. Known for his structured approach and ability to maximize talent, McLellan will look to reinvigorate a team that has struggled to capitalize on opportunities.

Toronto’s Depth Tested Without Matthews

The Maple Leafs have managed a 7-4 record in games without Auston Matthews this season, showcasing the team’s depth. John Tavares and Mitch Marner will need to lead the charge again if Matthews is unavailable.

Special Teams Battle

Detroit’s power play has struggled, ranking near the bottom of the league, while Toronto boasts one of the NHL’s more consistent special teams units. Discipline and execution with the man advantage could tip the scales in this matchup.

Players to Watch

• Detroit: Dylan Larkin will be key as the captain looks to lead by example and jumpstart the Red Wings’ offense. Defenseman Jeff Petry, who scored the game-winning goal against Toronto on Dec. 14, will also play a pivotal role.
• Toronto: John Tavares remains red-hot, and Mitch Marner’s playmaking ability will be crucial, especially if Matthews remains sidelined.

Check out NHL Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions on Scores and Stats

Outlook

The Red Wings are in desperate need of a spark, and the arrival of Todd McLellan could be the catalyst for change. However, facing a talented Maple Leafs squad hungry to end their brief skid will be a tough test. Look for Detroit to play with renewed energy under their new coach, but Toronto’s depth and experience may ultimately prove too much to overcome.

Prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Red Wings 2