Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions December 15th 2024

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres December 15th 2024

The Sabres and Maple Leafs are set to face off at 5:00 ET on ESPN+. The Maple Leafs will host the game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. The over/under for this matchup is currently set at 6 goals and the Maple Leafs are the -1.5 favorite to win at home vs. the Sabres.

Buffalo vs. Toronto Key Information

• Teams: Sabres at Maple Leafs
• Where: Scotiabank Arena Toronto
• Date: Sunday, December 15th
• Betting Odds TOR -203 | BUF +168 O/U 6

The Sabres Can Win If…

Buffalo dropped to 11-15-4 after a 2-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Sabres held a 1-0 lead after the first period, but Detroit responded with two goals in the second. Buffalo went into the game as underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined score of 3 falling well short of that mark.

Alex Tuch scored the Sabres’ only goal, a short-handed effort at 11:39 in the first period. Buffalo’s offense struggled, failing to score again and recording 13 giveaways. Both of Detroit’s goals came on the power play, with Dylan Larkin finding the net at 7:49 and 14:38 in the second period.

Buffalo’s offense struggled in their 2-1 loss to Detroit, with Alex Tuch scoring the lone goal. Tuch’s 5th goal of the season came shorthanded at 8:21 in the first period, and the Sabres were shut out the rest of the way.

Despite 32 shots on goal, the Sabres couldn’t find the net again. They recorded 13 giveaways in the game.

Buffalo’s defense was solid in the first and third periods, but they struggled in the second, allowing two power-play goals to Detroit. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, and the Sabres’ defense had 5 takeaways and 17 hits.

• Through their last three regular season contests, Buffalo has a record of 0-3. Against the spread, Buffalo went 1-2 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 1-1-1.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Buffalo has a record of 1-9. Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 6-4 to go along with an over-under mark of 4-4-2.

The Maple Leafs Can Win If…

Toronto fell to 18-10-2 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, but the combined 3 goals fell short of that mark.

After the Wild scored first, William Nylander tied it up for Toronto with just 52 seconds left in the first period. The game remained tied until Minnesota scored the game-winner 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 during the Leafs’ 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild. Auston Matthews picked up his 6th assist, while Mitchell Marner added his 12th.

Toronto fired 28 shots on goal but was held scoreless after the opening period. The Leafs had 10 giveaways in the game.

Toronto’s defense will be looking to bounce back after giving up the game-winning goal in overtime to the Wild. They had previously tied the game at 1-1 late in the 1st period. Goalie Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves with a 93.9% save percentage, and the defense added 2 takeaways and 30 hits.

• Spanning across their last three games, Toronto have gone 2-1. This includes going 1-2 vs. the puck line and posting an over-under mark of 0-2-1.
• Across Toronto’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 3-7, in addition to an over-under mark of 3-6-1.

The Lean

When it comes to a straight moneyline bet, look no further than the Maple Leafs. Nevertheless, given the payout of -203, you could also think about incorporating this bet into a parlay.

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

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.

Maple Leafs Seek Comforts of Home Against Sabres

The Toronto Maple Leafs (17-8-3) will try to capitalize on their strong home form when they face the Buffalo Sabres (9-16-4) on Sunday night. Toronto leads the league in home victories and looks to rebound after a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Meanwhile, Buffalo continues to struggle, falling to 0-6-3 in its past nine games following a 4-2 setback to the Washington Capitals.

Leafs Adjust to Goaltending Changes

Toronto’s goaltending situation is in flux, with Anthony Stolarz sidelined due to a lower-body injury. With Joseph Woll starting on Saturday, Dennis Hildeby is expected to make his third NHL start on Sunday after being recalled from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Head coach Craig Berube remains optimistic about Stolarz’s return next week:
“It was good news overall. He’s got to get on the ice, but it’s looking promising,” Berube said.

Despite the loss to Detroit, the Leafs saw contributions from key players. Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies scored, while Mitchell Marner added two assists. However, Toronto struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“We’ve got to finish better,” Berube said. “Whether it’s missing the net or getting blocked, we need to get more pucks on goal.”

Forward Bobby McMann returned after a seven-game absence, adding size and speed to the lineup.
“His speed and size as a power forward add great balance to our left side,” Berube said, highlighting a trio of McMann, Max Pacioretty, and Knies as key contributors.

Sabres Search for Breakthrough

Buffalo’s offensive woes continued Saturday against Washington, with special teams proving costly. The Capitals went 2-for-3 on the power play, while the Sabres were 0-for-2. Jason Zucker scored for Buffalo, extending his hot streak with seven points (three goals, four assists) in his last six games.

“We’ve got to learn how to stay aggressive in tight games,” Zucker said. “Right now, we’re playing safe instead of going for the win.”

The Sabres remain without star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who missed his fifth straight game with back spasms. However, forward Sam Lafferty (lower body) could return against Toronto after sitting out the past seven contests.

Key Players to Watch

Toronto Maple Leafs:

• Auston Matthews: Leads the Leafs’ offense and continues to deliver in key moments.
• Dennis Hildeby: The young goalie will be tested as he makes a rare NHL start.
• Mitchell Marner: A playmaking force who has been a consistent contributor.

Buffalo Sabres:

• Jason Zucker: Buffalo’s hottest scorer, capable of breaking through Toronto’s defense.
• Zach Benson: The rookie forward has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a difference-maker.
• Devon Levi: The young netminder will need to be sharp against Toronto’s potent attack.

Keys to the Game

Toronto Maple Leafs:

1. Generate Shots: Overcome recent struggles to get more pucks on net.
2. Capitalize on Special Teams: Leverage their power play against Buffalo’s inconsistent penalty kill.
3. Strong Goaltending: Provide support for Hildeby to ensure he settles in quickly.

Buffalo Sabres:

1. Improve Special Teams: Avoid costly penalties and find success on the power play.
2. Stay Aggressive: Push the pace and avoid playing too cautiously in tight situations.
3. Tighten Defense: Limit high-danger chances from Toronto’s top scorers.

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Matchup Outlook

The Maple Leafs enter the game as heavy favorites with their stellar home record and potent offensive lineup. However, the Sabres are desperate to snap their winless streak and could pose a challenge if they clean up their special teams and capitalize on scoring chances.

Toronto’s ability to control the pace and support its goaltender will be key, while Buffalo must overcome its recent struggles to stay competitive. Expect a high-energy clash as the Leafs aim to maintain their dominance at home.