The Toronto Maple Leafs are back in action following a turbulent weekend, hosting the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.
The pregame narrative: Toronto lost in overtime to the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, leading to some pointed remarks from netminder Anthony Stolarz. He’s tasked with stopping a Devils team averaging the fourth-most goals per game (3.80). Will the Maple Leafs, who are slightly favoured, answer the bell?
Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks for Oct. 21, featuring predictions on Auston Matthews and Timo Meier
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Maple Leafs picks vs. Devils
Best bet: Matthews to score (+117)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made a fashion statement yesterday, walking into Game 7 of the Toronto Blue Jays’ ALCS matchup wearing this:
The Jays won, and I’m hoping Matthews can keep the good vibes rolling with a goal tonight.
-> Bet on Auston Matthews to score tonight!
Of course, that’s not my only rationale for this pick. Toronto’s captain is one of, if not the very best, goalscorers in the NHL.
- Matthews is two seasons removed from scoring a franchise-record 69 goals, and he’s on pace for 54 through six games.
- He has four goals so far and leads the entire NHL in xG (4.63), according to Natural Stat Trick.
- Matthews also leads Toronto in shot attempts (47), scoring chances (31) and high-danger chances (11).
New Jersey is 4-1-0 but has played in several barn-burners. The Devils are giving up 3.0 goals per game and the ninth-most chances against per 60 (62.6).
Key stat: Matthews has scored in six of his last seven games against New Jersey (eight total goals).
Best NHL prop predictions
Meier to not record a point (-106): Stolarz put his teammates in the spotlight after Saturday’s loss, calling out Toronto’s grit, work ethic, and willingness to defend the crease.
Maybe he should have kept those remarks behind closed doors, but I trust Toronto to respond.
Stolarz has had a shaky start, but he’s fresh off a career season in which he posted a 2.14 GAA and led the NHL in save percentage (.926).
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The Leafs’ defence was elite at clogging high-danger areas last season and should be fighting tooth and nail for that space after what happened on the weekend.
Meier is skating on New Jersey’s second line, alongside Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer. He’s been productive so far but is still only 3-2 against this line.
Meier has never logged more than 53 points in a full season with New Jersey.
Maple Leafs picks made at 11:15 a.m. ET 10/21/2025.
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Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.