NHL Islanders vs Maple Leafs Picks and Odds, December 21, 2024

In what was once a rivalry, but now died off is back at it. The New York Islanders head to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs. These 2 had a clash when Islanders long time captain John Tavares left for Toronto. This is the first time these 2 teams will faceoff this season, but we have all the Islanders vs Maple Leafs picks for you.

Toronto is 21-10-2 this season and 1st in the Atlantic Division. The Leafs are coming into this game on a 3-game winning streak and are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. They are also 14-4-0 at home so far this season.

Their offense has been clicking, even though they don’t rank in the top of the league. The team is 13th in goals scored and tied for 15th for shots on goal per game. Toronto’s power play isn’t terrible either, converting 20% of the time.

On defense, they have protected the net well, only allowing 2.64 goals per game. Even though they rank 21st in shots on goal allowed per game, they are standing tall in net. Goalie Joseph Woll is expected in net. He has a 9-4-0 record with a 2.30 HAA and a .918 save percentage.

Struggling Islanders look to rebound with players back from injury

New York Islanders players celebrate after scoring a goal.

It’s been a rough go for the Islanders, but it isn’t too late for them to turn it around. They’re 12-14-7 this season and are in last place in the Metro Division. Currently on a 2-game losing streak and 4-4-2 in their last 10 games, some players returning from injury could turn the tide.

Offensive players Mat Barzal and Adam Pelech returned to the lineup last game vs the Canes. It was good to have them back after both spending weeks on the IR. The Islanders picked up Anthony Duclair in the offseason who sustained an early injury but is no longer on the injury report.

The Islanders offense is back to disappearing. They rank in the bottom of the league for goals scored per game and have dropped to 19th in shots on goal per game after their hot start. This team has always struggled on the power play and are continuing to, ranking last in the league.

Goalie Ilya Sorokin is expected in net with Varlamov on the IR. He is 9-10-4 this season with a 2.81 GAA and a .904 save percentage. The lack of support on defense has caused him to suffer again. Let’s check out the odds and get into the picks.

New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Odds and Game Information

Islanders vs Maple Leafs Betting Odds

Puck Line

New York Islanders +1.5 (-175)
Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (+145)

Moneyline

New York Islanders +140
Toronto Maple Leafs -165

Totals

Over 5.5 (-125)
Under 5.5 (+105)

Odds courtesy of BetOnline – Get 50% up to $1000 on your first deposit

Islanders vs Maple Leafs Game Information

Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date: Saturday December 21, 2024
Puck Drop: 7pm EST
TV: MSGSN2

New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction and Picks

New York goalie Ilya Sorokin makes a save on the Maple Leafs Auston Matthews.

Islanders vs Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline (-165) Get 50% up to $1000 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

I have to ride with the hot hand here. The Leafs are playing too well to ignore, even if we have to pay the juice man. This is a perfect game for them to keep it rolling and way too tough of a game for the Islanders to have a bounce back spot.

On the road, the Islanders are 6-7-5 which is not good. They still have trouble finishing games, especially on the road with 5 OTL out the 7 they have this season. The Leafs offense is filled with great offensive players, so even though their offense doesn’t rank #1 in the league – they still know how to turn it on.

I expect Auston Matthews to be ripping the puck. I like his 4+ shots on goal for -178. He has cleared the line in 4 out of his last 5 games vs the Islanders. If you pair his 4 shots with the Leafs ML you get +136 value, which is nice. I also like his goal for +110 as he has 4 goals in his last 5 games vs the Islanders.