Wednesday’s Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Game: Prediction, Odds, and Player Props

• The Colorado Avalanche are road favorites at -130 over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday
• Colorado has won 8 of their last 9 games overall and 6 of their last 7 in Toronto
• See our Avalanche vs Maple Leafs prediction, odds, and player prop picks below

Wednesday night hockey brings a marquee matchup between the Colorado Avalanche (41-24-3) and Toronto Maple Leafs (40-24-3) at Scotiabank Arena. The Avs are coming off a 4-3 overtime win against Dallas, while the Leafs blasted Calgary 6-2 on Monday. Online sportsbooks are expecting Colorado to secure the road victory.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET, with TNT handling the broadcast.

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Prediction

• Avalanche ML (-130) at Bet365

My prediction is Colorado gets it done on the road. The Avalanche have been the much hotter team lately, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 games compared to Toronto’s 5-4-1 stretch. Colorado has also had the Leafs’ number historically, winning six of the last seven meetings in Toronto.

The advanced stats heavily favor the Avs over their last 10 games. Colorado is dominating puck possession with a 55.74% Corsi For percentage and 55.99% Fenwick For percentage, well above Toronto’s 45.03% and 44.56% marks, respectively. The Avalanche are also generating far more quality chances, with a 54.96% expected goals rate compared to just 43.20% for the Leafs.

Goaltending is another big advantage for Colorado. Projected starter Mackenzie Blackwood has been stellar since joining the Avs, posting a 2.17 GAA and .919 SV% with two shutouts. Meanwhile, Joseph Woll and his 2.75 GAA will likely get the nod for Toronto in his first career start against the Avalanche.

The Maple Leafs’ defensive struggles give Colorado’s high-powered offense a great opportunity to cash in. Toronto ranks 24th in goals against (3.17 per game) since New Year’s, and their penalty kill is operating at just 73%. That spells trouble against an Avalanche squad that scores 3.34 goals per game (5th) and has a lethal power play.

The Avs’ offense is clicking right now, led by Nathan MacKinnon’s 16 points in his last 10 games. Their depth and skill was on full display in a 7-4 thumping of these same Maple Leafs just 11 days ago. I’m expecting Colorado’s firepower to overwhelm Toronto once again.

Colorado also has the rest advantage, having last played on Sunday compared to the Leafs suiting up on Monday. That extra day off favors the road team this late in the season. Coupling that with Toronto’s home ice disadvantage in this matchup (1-6 SU last 7 vs COL), and all signs point to an Avalanche victory.

Colorado Avalanche vs Toronto Maple Leafs Odds

Odds as of March 18 at Bet365. Check out the top NHL betting apps for Wednesday night hockey.

The Avalanche are solid road favorites at -130 on most betting sites, including Bet365. However, BetMGM has the best price for the Avs ML at -120. Colorado is also laying 1.5 goals on the puck line at appetizing +190 odds for those feeling an Avs blowout.

The game total is offered at an even six goals, with equal -110 juice to the over and under. Another high-scoring affair is likely, but keep in mind Colorado potted two empty netters last meeting to inflate the final score. Furthermore, Toronto is 21-12-2 to the under at home this season.

Over at Bet365, you can Opt-In and receive a $10 Free Bet for EVERY Maple Leafs goal scored. Just place a $25/50 pre-game SGP with 3+ selections on the Avalanche vs Leafs game. This provides some nice insurance if you’re backing the over or think Toronto could pull off the upset.

Avalanche vs Maple Leafs Player Props

The star power is on full display in the player props market, with Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon headlining the anytime goalscorer odds. Matthews is the slight +110 favorite to find the back of the net, with MacKinnon right behind at +115.

NHL Prop Picks for Wednesday

For my first prop pick, I’m targeting the Avs’ red-hot top line and taking Valeri Nichushkin over 2.5 shots at +115. The big winger has been filling the stat sheet lately playing alongside MacKinnon. He’s found twine in back-to-back games and fired five shots on goal when these two teams met on March 8th.

I’m also intrigued by Cale Makar over 0.5 points at -210. The assists have been flowing for the superstar defenseman, who has 12 in his last 10 games. Makar also has three goals over that span and points in seven of the 10 contests. He should have ample opportunities to set up a goal against a shaky Leafs defense.

The highly anticipated matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs is set to take place on Wednesday night, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams have been performing well this season, making this game a must-watch for hockey enthusiasts.

In terms of predictions, it’s shaping up to be a close game. The Avalanche currently sit at the top of the Central Division with an impressive record of 21-8-2, while the Maple Leafs are holding their own in the Atlantic Division with a record of 18-8-2. Both teams have strong offensive firepower and solid goaltending, so we can expect a high-scoring and competitive game.

When it comes to odds, the Avalanche are slight favorites to win this matchup. As of now, they have odds of -130, while the Maple Leafs have odds of +110. This means that if you were to bet $100 on the Avalanche and they win, you would receive a payout of $76.92. On the other hand, if you were to bet $100 on the Maple Leafs and they win, you would receive a payout of $110.

As for player props to keep an eye on, Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche and Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs are two players to watch. MacKinnon is currently leading the Avalanche in points with 36, while Matthews is leading the Maple Leafs with 32 points. Both players have been on fire this season and are capable of putting up big numbers in any given game.

Overall, Wednesday’s Avalanche vs Maple Leafs game is shaping up to be an exciting and closely contested matchup. With two talented teams facing off, fans can expect a thrilling game filled with plenty of goals and highlight-reel plays. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as these two powerhouse teams battle it out on the ice.