The Toronto Maple Leafs (6-4-2) and Carolina Hurricanes (8-2-1) meet Sunday at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN).
The Maple Leafs picked up a hard-fought 2-1 win against the nemesis Boston Bruins Saturday night and now face a quick turnaround with the twilight game in North Carolina less than 20 hours after their last game ended.
The Hurricanes have had a good time lately, rolling up 4 straight victories, including 5-3 over the Buffalo Sabres Friday night in Raleigh. The Over is 4-1 in the past 5 outings for the Canes, too.
Maple Leafs at Hurricanes odds
- Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Hurricanes -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-200) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)
Maple Leafs at Hurricanes projected goalies
Erik Kallgren (0-1-2, 3.62 GAA, .875 SV%) vs. Frederik Andersen (5-2-0, 2.66 GAA, .894 SV%)
Kallgren is confirmed to start Sunday as Ilya Samsonov left Saturday’s game after 2 periods with a knee injury. Kallgren stopped all 7 of the shots he faced in the 3rd period, preserving the 2-1 win against the Bruins.
Andersen gets a crack at his former team. He stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced in Tampa last time out on Thursday, grabbing his 5th win in 7 starts. The “Great Dane” was 1-1-1 with a 2.67 GAA and .897 SV% in 3 starts against the Leafs last season.
Maple Leafs at Hurricanes picks and predictions
Prediction
Hurricanes 4, Maple Leafs 1
Moneyline
The HURRICANES (-150) are a tremendous value at this price, as it’s a bit surprising this line isn’t much higher.
Yes, Carolina comes in on a 4-game win streak, so it is due for a loss at some point. That’s just the law of averages. But the Hurricanes are playing good hockey, while the Leafs (+120) blow in for the 2nd end of a back-to-back, already emotionally drained after losing a goaltender to injury.
Look for Carolina to roll.
Puck line/Against the spread
The HURRICANES -1.5 (+160) is a sensational bargain, almost like the holidays came early. Jump on this line and take advantage of the great value.
Yes, 3 of the 4 victories during the current win streak have been by 1 goal, and none decided in regulation. But the Maple Leafs +1.5 (-200) limp in, literally and figuratively. This one won’t be particularly close.
Over/Under
UNDER 6.5(-103) is quite the value, too, at near even-money.
There is some concern with Kallgren making the start, as the Carolina offense has to be licking its chops with the opportunity to face a tired defense and a 3rd-string goaltender.
The Canes could roll up an impressive goal total, but the Leafs should also be sluggish and look like they’re skating in sand. Don’t expect a lot of offense from the Buds. Puck drop was 7 p.m. ET in Canada Saturday night, and while yes, technically Toronto benefits from the extra hour due to the clocks falling back Sunday morning, it’s still a tough turnaround.