Toronto Maple Leafs - New Jersey Devils predictions and free betting tips [26/03/2024]

The NHL regular season matchup between Eastern conference rivals kicks off. Night hockey enthusiasts are in for a treat with a showdown between Toronto and New Jersey.

Toronto

The Toronto team has participated in 70 official matches of the NHL's 2023-2024 regular season. With 70 games under their belt and 89 points accrued, they sit comfortably in 5th place in the Eastern conference standings. Throughout the season, the Canadian club has been performing confidently with frequent victories, earning them a spot in the upper half of the leaderboard. Currently, Toronto ranks 5th in the Eastern conference, lagging behind opponents like Boston, Carolina, Florida, and Rangers.

Considering their 8-point deficit against the leading pack, it seems unlikely they'll leapfrog any higher up the standings. Yet having practically secured a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs, considering their 11-point lead over 9th place Detroit, Toronto's campaign has been largely successful. With an impressive offence and a somewhat leaky defence, they've racked up the most goals in the Eastern conference but also conceded as many as opponents in danger of missing out on the playoff berth. In the past 5 games, Toronto has only managed 2 victories.

New Jersey

New Jersey has taken part in 72 official matches in the NHL's 2023-2024 regular season. The players from New Jersey have accumulated 74 points from their 72 games, placing them 11th in the Eastern conference table. Their overall performance this season has been average, raising concerns about their abilities to achieve the set targets. At present, the Devils are stuck in 11th position, 5 points adrift of Washington in the 8th spot. Though the gap isn't significant and could be closed, it necessitates consistent winning performances, which is easier said than done.

Reflecting on New Jersey's playing metrics, they could be dubbed the most colorful and entertaining team of the Eastern conference. With the highest number of goals scored in the entire conference, the Devils have netted 235 goals in 72 matches; on the flip side, they've conceded 244. Red and black have been in good form recently, winning three games against the Islanders, Winnipeg, and Pittsburgh. 

Head to Head

Toronto and New Jersey have faced off in 45 matches. Toronto has come out on top in 29 encounters, while New Jersey has triumphed 16 times.

Total Forecast

New Jersey's Individual Total Over (ITO) will be more than 2 goals scored.

Prediction

New Jersey will win in regular time. The Devils have not been performing as well over the course, risking missing out on a Stanley Cup playoff spot. However, recent games have shown New Jersey in a surprisingly favorable light, whereas Toronto's performance has been inconsistent, as indicated by their disappointing clashes with Carolina and Philadelphia.