Toronto Maple Leafs vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

Predators aim to energize offense vs. surging Maple Leafs

The Nashville Predators are in urgent need of offensive firepower as they prepare to face the surging Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. A string of overtime losses and a lack of scoring efficiency have left the Predators searching for answers, while Toronto enters the game riding a wave of success with nine wins in their last 11 outings.

Nashville’s Struggles: Searching for a Spark

The Predators have endured three consecutive 3-2 overtime losses, the most recent of which came on Saturday against the Minnesota Wild. These setbacks mark part of a four-game skid where Nashville has managed only two goals per game.

Despite stellar performances by goaltender Juuse Saros, Nashville’s offense has struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Veteran forward Ryan O’Reilly, who scored against Minnesota, highlighted the team’s frustration:

“The last few games, we only scored two goals, and it’s tough because Juuse is playing outstanding, giving us a chance,” O’Reilly said. “We can’t (get over) that hump… It’s frustrating. We get to OT and hopefully squeak it out, but we just don’t right now.”

As the Predators embark on a challenging road trip through Canada, with games against Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, the team sees the journey as a chance to reset and rejuvenate. O’Reilly remains optimistic:

“It’s a great opportunity to go on this (Canadian) swing and get some points. We have to reset, refocus, and come out guns blazing in Toronto.”

Goaltending Shake-Up

In an effort to bolster the roster’s future potential, the Predators made a trade with the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, acquiring 24-year-old backup goaltender Justus Annunen and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for veteran Scott Wedgewood.

Head coach Andrew Brunette acknowledged the benefits and challenges of the move:

“We’re getting a goaltender that’s quite a bit younger… (Wedgewood) was a really good veteran, really good for us, and a good personality. We’ll probably miss that.”

Maple Leafs Riding High

Toronto has been one of the NHL’s hottest teams since early November, finding consistency and momentum. With Auston Matthews back in the lineup after missing nine games due to an upper-body injury, the Maple Leafs have won both games since his return.

Matthews tallied two assists in Saturday’s 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning and scored the opening goal in Monday’s 4-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Maybe not the cleanest game… but two points are two points,” Matthews said following Monday’s win. “Just try to clean it up and just try to be better here in the next game.”

Toronto’s penalty kill has been a critical asset, stifling Chicago during a 28-second five-on-three power-play opportunity on Monday. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 27 saves, while Mitchell Marner extended his points streak to seven games with two assists.

Head coach Craig Berube praised his team’s resilience:

“Our penalty kill was excellent, and that was the difference in the game. And then our goalie, that’s what it boils down to.”

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions

Keys to the Matchup

1. Predators’ Offense Needs a Breakthrough
   Nashville must find ways to support Saros by converting scoring chances. Their reliance on defense and goaltending is not sustainable against a high-octane team like Toronto.
2. Maple Leafs’ Penalty Kill and Depth
   Toronto’s ability to shut down opponents during critical moments has been a cornerstone of their success. If they maintain discipline and capitalize on Nashville’s scoring woes, they’ll remain in control.
3. Mental Reset for Nashville
   The Predators see this road trip as an opportunity to reset and build momentum. An aggressive start against Toronto could disrupt the Maple Leafs’ rhythm.

Anticipation for the Clash

The Predators’ desperation to break their losing streak contrasts sharply with the Maple Leafs’ confidence and cohesion. This game will test whether Nashville can overcome their offensive drought or if Toronto will continue their dominant run.

With Saros in goal for the Predators and Matthews leading the Leafs’ charge, fans can expect a competitive and high-energy matchup.