Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings Picks and Predictions April 17th 2025

Leafs Look to Keep Momentum in Finale vs. Red Wings

With the top seed in the Atlantic Division already secured, the Toronto Maple Leafs have little to prove against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night—but that doesn’t mean they’re easing up.

This season finale may not change the standings, but it’s far from meaningless. For Toronto, it’s a chance to stay red-hot before the playoffs. For Detroit, it’s about pride and finishing strong. And for fans? It’s one more look at two high-powered teams skating into different futures.

Maple Leafs Are Locked and Loaded

Toronto officially clinched first place in the Atlantic with their commanding 4-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, earning home-ice advantage through at least the first two rounds.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz called the moment “massive,” pointing out the playoff perks like the last line change and potential Game 7 at home.

Need the full playoff picture? Dive into our NHL Conference Odds for projected paths and smart bets.

Milestone Night in Buffalo

The win over Buffalo wasn’t just important—it was historic.

Mitchell Marner hit the 100-point mark for the first time in his career with his 27th goal of the season. He gave credit where it was due, calling out the “unbelievable plays” his teammates made to help him reach the milestone.

Auston Matthews, not to be outdone, tallied his 400th career goal in the same game. It came in his 628th appearance, making him the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to hit that mark. He also assisted on Marner’s goal, showing off their unmatched chemistry one more time before the real grind begins.

Want more on team stats and player rankings? Check out the NHL Team Page.

Detroit Red Wings: Playing with Pride

Even though the Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention ahead of Wednesday’s 5-2 win over New Jersey, they’ve still got something to prove. That win marked their third in a row, and they’re entering Thursday with momentum.

Defenseman Albert Johansson kept it simple: “There’s always someone watching… we want to play good hockey and have good habits.” That mindset shows a team still building something, even if it won’t be on this year’s playoff stage.

You can explore Detroit’s division dynamics in the NHL Atlantic Division Odds.

Standouts & Strong Finishes

Dylan Larkin hit the 30-goal milestone for the fourth straight season, while Alex DeBrincat added his 38th of the year. Under head coach Todd McLellan, the Wings have gone 26-18-3—a strong push, even with the late start.

McLellan admitted there were early missteps with player relationships but said the team has grown together over the past few months.

Want to see how teams across the NHL are closing their seasons? Use the NHL Picks Page for analysis and projections heading into the playoffs.

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Why This Game Still Matters

Sure, the playoff matchups are set—Toronto vs. Ottawa in the Battle of Ontario is locked in—but the Leafs don’t want to stumble into the postseason. Thursday’s game is about keeping their streak alive, staying healthy, and letting the top lines keep clicking.

They’ve now won four in a row, and this game gives depth players a chance to stay fresh or step up. Plus, with Matthews and Marner in rhythm, anything can happen in front of the home crowd.

For Detroit, this game is a stepping stone to next season—a sign that they’re still buying into the rebuild and trusting the new leadership.

Need expert advice on betting the finale? The Expert Betting Guide has you covered with smart strategies and bankroll tips.

Planning Ahead: NHL Futures & Predictions

Now that the regular season is nearly a wrap, turn your attention to futures and playoff predictions. These guides will help you stay informed and bet smart:

• Stanley Cup Odds Breakdown
• Central Division Playoff Preview
• Pacific Division Odds & Insights
• Metropolitan Division Race
• Full NHL Odds Page: Live lines and team matchups in real-time.