The Toronto Maple Leafs are back home for their second game in as many nights, and the Buffalo Sabres are in town.
The pregame narrative: Toronto lost a tough one to the Detroit Red Wings last night, but I like this as a strong bounce-back spot for the Leafs. With that in mind, I’m backing Mitch Marner to score multiple points. For Buffalo, I’m getting behind Owen Power with his extended minutes.
Check out my Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres for Dec. 15.
Maple Leafs props vs. Sabres
Go to full NHL betting markets.
Best Bet: Power to score 1+ points (+115)
As Rasmun Dahlin continues to be sidelined, Power is eating minutes on the Sabres’ blue line.
- 22+ minutes in five straight games
- 28+ minutes in back-to-back outings
It’s not like Power isn’t used to playing a lot (22:38 average time on ice), but this is an uptick even for him.
With Dahlin out, Power skates on the first power play with the Sabres’ top dogs.
Despite having zero power-play points on the season, the defenceman has 19 points in 30 games. And the PP futility is likely to change with this increased opportunity.
Additionally, the Leafs are without Anthony Stolarz and will resort to prospect goalie Dennis Hildeby for the second half of a back-to-back.
The Swedish netminder let in six goals on 38 shots in his last NHL start, which came in October against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Key stat: Power has four points in five games with Dahlin out.
Quick picks
Marner to score 2+ points (+155): I can’t keep myself away from this market, especially in this spot.
Even though Marner is slowing down slightly, he’s on a ridiculous run right now.
- The winger has multiple points in 12 of the last 17 games.
- He is 4-1 against this line after a loss during that span.
The Sabres’ are also a great matchup. They allow the seventh-most goals per game (3.27) and have a below-average penalty kill (79.2%).
James Reimer is expected to start for Buffalo, and the former Leaf has not been good this season. He’s started five games for two different teams and owns a 3.60 GAA and .879 SV%.
Everything points to Marner having another big night.
NHL picks made at 10:25 a.m. ET on 12/15/24.
Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.