Toronto Maple Leafs vs Philadelphia Flyers Picks and Predictions January 5th 2025

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Philadelphia Flyers January 5th 2025

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Flyers versus the Maple Leafs? The puck drops at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on NBCS. The game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. The over/under for this Eastern conference contest is set at 6.5 goals, with the Maple Leafs being favored by -1.5 goals at home against the Flyers.

Philadelphia vs. Toronto Key Information

• Teams: Flyers at Maple Leafs
• Where: Scotiabank Arena Toronto
• Date: Sunday, January 5th
• Betting Odds TOR -181 | PHI +151 O/U 6.5

The Flyers Can Win If…

With a 3-0 loss to the Bruins, the Flyers dropped to 17-18-4 this season. Philadelphia’s defense couldn’t keep Boston off the board, allowing goals in each period, including an empty-netter in the third.

The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 3 fell well short. As underdogs on the puck line, the Flyers failed to cover.

Philadelphia was shut out in their recent 3-0 loss to the Bruins, with the Flyers managing 20 shots on goal but failing to find the net. The team recorded 15 giveaways in the game.

All 3 of the Bruins’ goals came with a goalie in net, as the Flyers were unable to capitalize on any of their opportunities. Philadelphia has now been shut out for the 5th time this season.

Defensively, the Flyers gave up the first goal at 13:28 in the first period and another at 11:23 in the second, before an empty-netter sealed the 3-0 loss. Samuel Ersson made 8 saves with a 100% save percentage, entering the game in relief. The Flyers’ defense also recorded 5 takeaways and 30 hits.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Flyers have gone 1-2 straight up. Across this span, their puck line record sits at 2-1 to go along with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• The Flyers have gone 4-6 over their last ten regular season games. Across these games, their puck line record was just 4-6, while posting an over-under record of 6-4.

The Maple Leafs Can Win If…

Toronto’s latest game was a 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild, bringing their record to 25-13-2. The Maple Leafs were the underdogs on the puck line and the total for the game was set at 6 goals, but the teams combined for just 3.

After the Wild scored first, Toronto tied it up with just 52 seconds left in the first period. William Nylander found the net for the Maple Leafs, but the Wild secured the win with a goal 2:14 into overtime.

In their 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild, the Maple Leafs’ offense managed just one goal, with William Nylander netting his 9th of the season on a power play. Toronto took 28 shots on goal and recorded 10 giveaways.

Nylander’s goal came at 19:08 in the first period. Auston Matthews picked up his 6th assist, while Mitchell Marner added his 12th.

Despite conceding the first goal at 9:41 in the first period and the game-winner 2:14 into overtime, the Maple Leafs’ defense held firm during regulation, allowing no goals after the 10:19 mark of the first. Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves with a 93.9% save percentage, while the defense contributed 2 takeaways and 30 hits.

• Toronto will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 3-0 over their past three games. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Toronto has put together a record of 7-3 in their last ten games (regular season). This includes going 6-4 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 8-2.

The Lean

If you’re looking for a moneyline bet in this one, we have the Maple Leafs coming out on top. However, with the lines sitting at -181, I’d recommend looking to the spread as our projections have the Maple Leafs winning by more than one goal.

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 Flyers.

For those assessing the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will stay below that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the under.

Maple Leafs Host Flyers With Matthews Back in Action

With the return of Auston Matthews from injury, the Toronto Maple Leafs are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Flyers at home. Matthews’ presence is already making a difference, as evidenced by his stellar performance in Saturday night’s 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins.

Matthews Returns to Lead the Charge

After missing six games with an upper-body injury, Matthews wasted no time making his mark, contributing an empty-net goal and two assists. The five-time All-Star and three-time NHL goal-scoring leader (including last season’s 69 goals) was eager to reunite with his teammates and showcased immediate chemistry with his linemates, Matthew Knies and Mitchell Marner.

“I felt good,” Matthews said. “The chemistry was there, and my linemates made it easy for me tonight.”

Knies had a career night with his first hat trick and two assists, while Marner added a goal and four assists, underscoring the depth and synergy of Toronto’s top line.

Toronto Aims for a Fourth Straight Win

The Maple Leafs are riding a three-game winning streak, a testament to their resilience during Matthews’ absence. They went 3-3-0 while he was sidelined and continue to find ways to win in various scenarios. Matthews highlighted the team’s adaptability:

“Good teams find a way to win in different ways. It’s not always going to be perfect, but we’ve shown we can get the job done.”

Coach Craig Berube echoed Matthews’ sentiments, emphasizing the energy and options that the star center brings to the ice.

Flyers Look to Close Road Trip on a High Note

The Flyers are concluding a six-game road trip, aiming to split the series after a tough 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite their recent struggles, Philadelphia has shown flashes of promise, particularly on the power play. Travis Konecny scored goals in back-to-back games, with Owen Tippett playing a key role in facilitating scoring opportunities.

Coach John Tortorella expressed optimism despite the team’s 1-2-0 record in their last three games:

“I thought we could have come away with points in all of them. We’re improving, and there’s chemistry building within the group.”

Power Play Chemistry Sparks Flyers’ Offense

Philadelphia’s revamped power-play unit, featuring Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, and Jamie Drysdale, has shown signs of cohesion. Tortorella praised Drysdale’s development in quarterbacking the unit, a position that has been a challenge for the Flyers in the past.

“There’s chemistry growing, and Jamie has stepped up in a critical role for us,” Tortorella said.

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A Battle of Momentum and Opportunity

As the Maple Leafs aim to extend their win streak, the Flyers seek to close their road trip with a statement victory. Matthews’ return elevates Toronto’s pace and offensive firepower, while Philadelphia’s recent improvements in special teams could pose a challenge.

The two teams will meet again in Philadelphia on Tuesday, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday’s contest. At Scotiabank Arena, the stage is set for an exciting clash of skill, strategy, and determination.