Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders Picks and Predictions December 31st 2024

Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders December 31st 2024

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Islanders versus the Maple Leafs? The puck drops at 1:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. This Eastern conference matchup has an over/under of 6 goals, and the Maple Leafs are favored by -1.5 goals vs. the Islanders.

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New York vs. Toronto Key Information

The Islanders fell to 14-16-7 after a 5-2 loss to the Rangers. As underdogs on the puck line, New York failed to cover, and the total of 7 goals surpassed the pre-game line of 6.

After trailing 2-0, the Islanders cut the deficit with a goal at 15:22 in the second period. They added another goal later in the second, but the Rangers pulled away with two more goals in the third.

In their 5-2 loss to the Rangers, the Islanders fired 37 shots on goal but managed only two scores. Casey Cizikas netted his first goal of the season, while Brock Nelson added his fifth, coming with just 8 seconds left in the second period.

Despite the 37 shots, the Islanders had 23 giveaways and couldn’t capitalize on power plays. Pierre Engvall, Simon Holmstrom, Kyle Palmieri, and Anders Lee each contributed an assist.

The Islanders’ defense gave up the first goal just 3:44 into the game and another at 1:21 into the second period. After pulling within 3-2, they allowed two more goals, including an empty-netter. Ilya Sorokin made 35 saves with an 89.7% save percentage, while the defense added 12 takeaways and 17 hits.

Toronto fell to 22-13-2 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.

All the scoring happened after the 9:41 mark in the first period. Minnesota struck first, but William Nylander tied it up with a power-play goal at 19:08 in the first. The Wild secured the win with a goal 2:14 into overtime.

Toronto’s offense struggled in their latest outing, managing just one goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to Minnesota. William Nylander netted his 9th goal of the season on a power play, with Auston Matthews picking up his 6th assist and Mitchell Marner adding his 12th.

The Maple Leafs fired 28 shots on goal but were held scoreless after Nylander’s first-period tally. Turnovers were an issue, as they committed 10 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Maple Leafs 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. Toronto’s defense also recorded 2 takeaways and 30 hits.

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Maple Leafs to pick up on a win over the Islanders at home. With the moneyline sitting at -144, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Maple Leafs straight-up.

When making a puck line pick, we’re backing the Maple Leafs to win and cover. Watch for the Maple Leafs to win this game by multiple goals over the Islanders.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

Maple Leafs Host Islanders in Home-and-Home Set

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders kick off a home-and-home series on Tuesday afternoon in Toronto, with both teams seeking to establish consistency and improve recent performances.

Islanders Aim for Redemption

Coming off a 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, the Islanders are looking to bounce back. Coach Patrick Roy was critical of his team’s effort compared to their performance in a 6-3 win over Pittsburgh the day before.

“I didn’t think we competed the way we are capable of,” Roy said. He emphasized the importance of winning loose pucks, executing better, and creating net-front presence.

Despite a late push with goals from Anders Lee and Bo Horvat, the Islanders fell short, which Roy attributed to a lack of mental toughness after conceding a second-period goal that made it 2-0. “Two goals is nothing in this league,” Roy said. “Sometimes, I feel we don’t believe enough in that.”

The Islanders have proven they can win in Toronto, securing a 6-3 victory at Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 21. However, inconsistency continues to plague the team, as noted by Horvat: “This win one, lose one thing is not going to do us any favors … It’s on us to get the ball rolling.”

Maple Leafs Adjust Without Matthews

Toronto enters the game following a 5-2 home loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday, their fourth straight game without Auston Matthews (upper-body injury). While Matthews practiced Monday, he will not play Tuesday, according to coach Craig Berube.

The Maple Leafs have struggled without their star, but Berube remained optimistic: “He [Matthews] did a good job in practice today … I think he feels pretty good.”

Special teams were a key issue in Saturday’s loss. Washington converted its lone power play, while Toronto went 0-for-2 with the man advantage. Despite generating opportunities, the Leafs struggled to finish, as noted by John Tavares, who scored one of Toronto’s goals: “It’s just small margins, execution at times.”

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William Nylander, who had several quality scoring chances denied by Washington’s Logan Thompson, admitted his missed opportunities contributed to the loss: “I had some great scoring chances and didn’t capitalize.”

What’s at Stake

For the Islanders, this game represents an opportunity to climb the standings and break out of their win-loss cycle. For the Maple Leafs, it’s about weathering Matthews’ absence and regaining momentum.

With the teams set to meet again on Thursday in New York, both sides will look to use this game to set the tone for the series and, potentially, the new year.