Maple Leafs vs Penguins Picks & Odds: Penguins Faves in Season Series Finale with Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs (12-5-5) will try to extend their current win streak on the road to five games when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (11-7-3) in Saturday NHL action. The Maple Leafs continue a four-game road trip in Pittsburgh after eking out a 4-3 win in Minnesota on Friday, and have now picked up at least a point in 12 of their past 13 overall contests. The Penguins return home after skating to a 4-1 victory over the beleaguered Philadelphia Flyers on Friday evening to extend their current win streak to five games.

Bet On Maple Leafs vs Penguins Here

Maple Leafs vs Penguins Sportsbook Odds

Sportsbook Odds

The Penguins have climbed to -130 home favorites since Sportsbook as a -122 bet. Toronto has faded to a +110 underdog, while the total has held steady at 6.5. Saturday night’s matchup marks the third and final regular season meeting between these Eastern Conference rivals. These clubs split two contests played over the past two weeks, with each claiming a road win, capped by the Leafs’ 5-2 victory on November 15.

While that snapped Pittsburgh’s three-game home win streak in head-to-head action, the Penguins still maintain the upper hand in recent dates with Toronto, winning five of eight, and have suffered consecutive losses to the Maple Leafs just once in 13 dates since December 2017. While each of their past eight matchups have been settled by multi-goal margins, the Pittsburgh have struggled at times to fill the net, scoring two or fewer goals in four of the past six.

Get the best Maple Leafs vs Penguins odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Leafs Blue Line Devastated by Injuries

The Maple Leafs have avoided losing in regulation in seven straight contests, and have seen that run preserved by steady goaltending. The club has allowed just 2.29 goals per game during their current 5-0-2 run despite outshooting opponents on just two occasions over that stretch. Goaltender Matt Murray has particularly impressed since returning from injury, but things have not gone as well for Saturday’s expected starter Erik Kallgren, who has allowed 3.00 goals per game during a 1-1-2 run.

Injuries on the blue line have also emerged as a massive concern. Morgan Rielly is the latest rearguard to suffer a serious injury that will sideline him indefinitely, joining Jake Muzzin and TJ Brodie in the clinic.

Auston Matthews has also struggled on the road, failing to find the back of the net in eight of 10 away contests so far this season. However, the club has benefited from distributed scoring, with six different Leafs players lighting lamp over the past two games. John Tavares has led the way, scoring three times and tallying four assists during a four-game points streak.

Supporting Cast Contributing to Pens’ Win Streak

The Penguins have rediscovered their scoring touch during their current five-game win streak, averaging four points per game. However, goals have continued to come at a premium on home ice, with Pens shooters scoring just six total markers during their current 0-2-1 run on home ice.

Sidney Crosby has led the recent resurgence, scoring five times and contributing seven helpers over his past six outings, and has also recorded a point in each of the team’s two previous meetings with Toronto this month.

Backup goalie Brian Elliott took the loss last Saturday in a 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins after they closed as +150 dogs away from home.

However, it was the supporting cast that fueled the Penguins’ assault in Friday’s win in Philly. Ryan Poehling sealed the victory with a pair of second-period markers, both of which were set up by Teddy Blueger, who ended the night with three assists.

Maple Leafs Player Prop: Erik Kallgren OVER 30 Saves

Considering the Maple Leafs blue line injury woes, and battle to contain opposing shooters, it is likely to be a busy night for goaltender Erik Kallgren, who sports attractive +102 odds at Sportsbook to make at least 30 saves against a Penguins squad that has averaged 32 shots on goal over their past eight outings.  

Penguins Player Prop: Sidney Crosby 2 or More Points

Sidney Crosby has found a higher gear during the Pens’ five-game win streak, tallying multiple points in three of those contests, and sports attractive +140 odds at Sportsbook to extend that trend on Saturday night.

Maple Leafs vs Penguins Picks & Insights

Maple Leafs: Keys To Victory

With the blue line depth facing a severe test, all Maple Leafs skaters must responsibly tend to their defensive responsibilities to avoid needlessly handling the surging Penguins scoring opportunities. And when the defense experiences a letdown, the club needs Erik Kallgren to produce the big save that has been sometimes lacking during his trial of fire with the team this season.

Penguins: Keys To Victory

While the penguins have steadily produced on the road, they must keep their game simple in a bid to overcome their recent scoring drought on home ice. Continued contributions from up and down the lineup would go a long way in turning things around, as would a return to form by Evgeni Malkin, who has just one goal in six games.

NHL Computer Picks: Maple Leafs +110

Check out more of our signature NHL computer picks, plus our favorite sportsbooks that serve hockey customers. 

Join A Top-Tier NHL Betting Site Now