In short, analytics is a major part of Maple Leafs’ general manager Kyle Dubas’ blueprint. But Dubas and his handpicked coach Sheldon Keefe are learning some hard truths. All of the fancy math in the world can’t make up for a leaky backend. Toronto’s defense and penalty killing remain a significant NHL betting liability. Despite being one of the most prolific goal-scoring clubs in hockey the inability to check opposition attacks could cost the playoffs. By contrast, the Penguins use reliable defense to go with an always reliable offense. More emphatically Pittsburgh is a certain playoff team.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Maple Leafs vs. Penguins TV Coverage: | NBCSN |
| NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Overview
Toronto has slumped to four losses in their last seven sportsbook matchups. As a result, the Maple Leafs are 31-20-8 70 PTS with only 23 of their games under the total. TO begins the week in the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Overall league metrics have the Leafs ranked fourth for goal scoring, third for power play, 26th for goals allowed and 23rd for penalty killing.
Counter to that is a Penguins team that is 35-15-6 76 PTS with just 26 overs. Pittsburgh is fourth in the Eastern Conference. Late on the Pens have won six of their last nine outings. Pittsburgh ranks eight for goals scored, 15th for power play, sixth for goals allowed, and ninth for penalty killing.
Key Maple Leafs: C Auston Matthews (42 G, 29 A, 71 PTS, +13, 11 PPG, 11 PPA, 17.5 SPCT), D Tyson Barrie (5 G, 28 A, 33 PTS, -5, 1 PPG, 9 PPA, 3.4 SPCT), G Frederik Andersen (24-10-6, 2.88 GAA, .909 SVPCT, 1 SO)
Key Penguins: C (Evgeni Malkin 18 G, 40 A, 58 PTS, +11, 5 PPG, 15 PPA, 13.1 SPCT), D Kris Letang (13 G, 25 A, 38 PTS, +8, 5 PPG, 8 PPA, 9.0 SSPCT), G Tristan Jarry (19-8-1, 2.14 GAA, .930 SVPCT, 3 SP)
Toronto and Pittsburgh Against the Spread
The Maple Leafs are:
- 12-6 against the NHL lines on the road
- 7-2 over the total in their last nine away games
- 5-12 on the board in their last 17 games as a dog
- 5-2 over the total as an underdog
- 7-13 in their last 20 games at PPG Paints Arena
- 6-4-1 over the total at Pittsburgh
The Penguins are:
- 12-4 in their last 16 games at PPG Paints Arena
- 6-3 over the total on home ice
- 14-5 with the NHL odds as a favorite
- 4-6 under the total as the chalk
- 4-7 in their last 11 games with Toronto
- 5-3 over the total head to head with the Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Betting Pick
On this occasion, we have two of the best offensive teams in hockey. This means that the Pittsburgh blue line and the goaltending should provide the NHL betting difference. Until Toronto’s analytics geeks crack the code for the back end they will be lacking against strong teams like the Penguins.
Maple Leafs vs. Penguins NHL Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins
Maple Leafs vs. Penguins NHL Betting Score Prediction: Penguins 4, Maple Leafs 2