NHL Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils Preview
Toronto Maple Leafs
New Jersey DevilsToronto Maple Leafs host New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena in an Eastern Conference game on November 8. New Jersey are fifth with 22 points from 16 games; Toronto are tenth with 18 points from 17. The Maple Leafs trail by four points, while the Devils arrive on a three-game winning streak.
Toronto’s recent profile and lineup picture
Form, scoring and defensive balance
Toronto have won two of their last five, scoring 19 goals and conceding 17. They scored in all five games but conceded in each one. The sequence included seven goals in Edmonton, four in Vancouver and two against Utah in the latest home game. In their last four road games, the Maple Leafs went 2–2; their only listed home result in this run was a 2:3 loss to Utah.
Toronto have scored 62 goals and conceded 56 in 17 games. The attack ranks among the conference’s more productive units, but the defense trails the leading teams. Toronto’s strengths are a high scoring ceiling and consistent finishing. Their defensive issues are the five-game run of conceded goals, the 2:3 home loss to Utah and lapses after conceding momentum. Power-play and penalty-kill percentages, along with goaltender save percentages, are not provided.
Personnel and tactical implications
Media reports indicate that Dakota Joshua is close to returning, while Kirill Marchenko is expected to miss another two weeks. John Tavares is expected to return after missing nine games, strengthening the middle of the forward group and faceoff structure. Coach Jim Hiller criticized defenseman Darren Raddysh after his third-period foul against Utah, placing added focus on discipline and late-game defensive decisions. No confirmed full lineup or suspension beyond these facts is available.
- Montreal Canadienshome2:4
- Utah Mammothhome2:3
- Vancouver Canucksaway4:2
- Seattle Krakenaway4:5
- Calgary Flamesaway2:5
New Jersey’s momentum and scoring pressure
Five-game run and team strengths
New Jersey have won four of their last five and are on a three-game winning streak. They scored 21 goals and conceded 15 in that span, finding the net in every game while conceding in all five. On the road, they beat Dallas and Vegas but lost in Colorado, scoring 12 goals and conceding eight across those games. At home, they beat Edmonton and St. Louis by narrow, high-scoring margins.
The Devils have scored 57 goals and conceded 47 through 16 games, with the ninth-best scoring average in the league. Jack Hughes leads the team in scoring, while Arseniy Gritsyuk has extended his goal streak. The attack is New Jersey’s main advantage, supported by four wins in five and repeated multi-goal outputs. They conceded 2, 3 and 4 goals in their last three games. Special-teams and goaltender save percentages are not provided.
Roster context and workload
Connor Hellebuyck has recorded four wins, giving New Jersey a reliable recent result in net, although his save rate is unavailable. The Devils last played on November 5, while Toronto last played on November 3, leaving the visitors with less rest. No injuries, suspensions or additional lineup changes are included in the supplied facts.
- New York Islandersaway5:4
- St. Louis Blueshome5:4
- Edmonton Oilershome4:3
- Vegas Golden Knightsaway5:2
- Colorado Avalancheaway2:5
Head-to-head record and goal pattern
Toronto lead the official five-year series with 10 wins in 15 meetings, compared with five for New Jersey and no draws. Toronto won five of the latest eight meetings, while New Jersey won three. Toronto scored 29 goals in those games.
Four of the latest eight meetings were decided by one goal, while Toronto also recorded a 4:0 home win. New Jersey won the most recent meeting 4:3. The four listed recent meetings at Toronto’s home venue were split evenly, with two wins for each team.
- 05.03.2026New Jersey Devils4:3Toronto Maple LeafsNHL
- 31.12.2025Toronto Maple Leafs4:0New Jersey DevilsNHL
- 21.10.2025Toronto Maple Leafs2:5New Jersey DevilsNHL
- 17.01.2025Toronto Maple Leafs4:3New Jersey DevilsNHL
- 11.12.2024New Jersey Devils1:2Toronto Maple LeafsNHL
News, motivation and situational factors
Toronto expect Tavares to return after nine missed games, while Marchenko remains out. Tavares would add experience and finishing. Joshua’s possible return would expand the forward options, but his game status is unconfirmed. Hiller’s criticism of Raddysh keeps defensive discipline in focus.
New Jersey’s current developments are scoring-related: Gritsyuk has scored in consecutive games, Hughes leads the team in points and Hellebuyck has four wins. Toronto are ten points behind first place and four behind New Jersey. The Devils are tied on points with Tampa Bay; New Jersey have played one more game. No further confirmed injury or suspension information is provided.
Our first-period selection
Our pick is Period 1: Both Teams To Score - No 1.44. This requires at least one side to finish the opening period scoreless, not both teams to draw a blank. Toronto conceded only twice in each of their two recent wins; limiting exchanges offers a clearer route here than matching New Jersey chance for chance.
The Devils have scored 14 goals across their latest three victories, so opposing their attack for the full game would be a different proposition. Our selection isolates the opening 20 minutes, before either side needs to chase the score. A cautious start is the working expectation, not an established first-period trend: no period-by-period results or confirmed starting goalies are available. The main risk is an early goal forcing the trailing side to accelerate. Suggested first-period score: 0-1.
Final betting view
Period 1: Both Teams To Score - No 1.44 is a restrained opening-period call, not a prediction of low scoring throughout. With no direct first-period record to support it, confidence should remain moderate.
FAQ
When does Toronto Maple Leafs — New Jersey Devils kick off?
The match starts on 08.11.2026 at 19:00 (New York), Scotiabank Arena (Toronto).
What is the prediction for Toronto Maple Leafs — New Jersey Devils?
Our pick is Period 1: Both Teams To Score - No at 1.44.
What are the teams’ chances?
By market estimate: Toronto Maple Leafs win — 32%, draw — 23%, New Jersey Devils win — 46%.
Chances by market estimate
Team form
- Montreal Canadienshome2:4
- Utah Mammothhome2:3
- Vancouver Canucksaway4:2
- Seattle Krakenaway4:5
- Calgary Flamesaway2:5
- New York Islandersaway5:4
- St. Louis Blueshome5:4
- Edmonton Oilershome4:3
- Vegas Golden Knightsaway5:2
- Colorado Avalancheaway2:5
Standings · Eastern Conference
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 16 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 60:49 | 24 |
| 5 | New Jersey Devils | 17 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 62:51 | 24 |
| 6 | Ottawa Senators | 18 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 58:54 | 23 |
| 10 | Washington Capitals | 15 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 53:51 | 18 |
| 11 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 18 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 64:60 | 18 |
| 12 | New York Islanders | 16 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 47:49 | 17 |
Head-to-head
- 05.03.2026New Jersey Devils4:3Toronto Maple LeafsNHL
- 31.12.2025Toronto Maple Leafs4:0New Jersey DevilsNHL
- 21.10.2025Toronto Maple Leafs2:5New Jersey DevilsNHL
- 17.01.2025Toronto Maple Leafs4:3New Jersey DevilsNHL
- 11.12.2024New Jersey Devils1:2Toronto Maple LeafsNHL
About the match
- 8 November · 19:00 New York
- Venue: Scotiabank Arena (Toronto)
Odds
Odds updated 07.11 19:10
Market view and matchup pricing
The market makes New Jersey the narrow 1X2 favorite, assigning the visitors 42%, Toronto 35.5% and the draw 22.5%. The away line has moved upward, while Toronto’s line has shortened, narrowing the gap between New Jersey’s recent form and Toronto’s stronger long-term head-to-head record.
The total-goals market leans toward Under 6.5 at 56.5%, although the Under line has moved upward and the Over has gained support. Both teams have scored in each of their last five games, and the latest eight head-to-head meetings averaged 6.75 goals. The BTTS market favors Yes at 87.1%, but its line has moved against that outcome. Rest favors Toronto; recent form favors New Jersey.
Our prediction
- Market
- Period 1: Both Teams To Score - No
- Current odds
- 1.44
- Odds at prediction
- 1.46
- Confidence
- Our estimate
- 63%
- Market estimate
- 64%
- Status
- pending
The bet will be placed 1–3 hours before the match
