Avalanche vs Maple Leafs NHL Picks and Predictions 3/15

The Colorado Avalanche visit the Toronto Maple Leafs in an exciting NHL matchup tonight at 7 p.m. EDT. With both teams vying for playoff positions, this game promises to be a thrilling one. In this article, we'll provide an in-depth analysis of both teams, discuss the latest NHL picks and betting trends, and make our prediction for the game.

Colorado Avalanche

Offense: The Avalanche has been solid on offense this season, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the team with 29 goals and 52 assists. Mikko Rantanen has also been in great form, scoring seven goals and adding five assists over the past 10 games. Colorado has a 32-9-3 record in games they score three or more goals, which bodes well for their chances against the Maple Leafs.

Defense: Colorado's defense has been inconsistent this season, with the team conceding 2.80 goals per game. However, the Avalanche's offense has been able to bail them out on most occasions. Artturi Lehkonen's day-to-day status for the game could be a concern for the team, but they still have enough quality in the squad to put up a good fight.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Offense: Toronto has been one of the most potent offensive teams this season, with Mitchell Marner leading the way with 24 goals and 61 assists. John Tavares has also been in good form, scoring six goals and four assists over the last 10 games. The Maple Leafs have a 25.6% power play percentage, which is the second-best in the league, and they'll be looking to capitalize on that against the Avalanche.

Defense: Toronto has been solid on defense this season, conceding just 2.68 goals per game. The Maple Leafs have an 18-4-4 record when they commit fewer penalties than their opponent, which could be key against the Avalanche. Toronto has also been excellent at home this season, with a 24-7-4 record, and they'll be looking to maintain that against a tough opponent.

Betting Trends:

• Toronto is 24-7-4 at home this season
• Colorado has a 32-9-3 record in games they score three or more goals
• Toronto has an 18-4-4 record when they commit fewer penalties than their opponent

Injuries:

• Toronto: Victor Mete (lower body), Nicholas Robertson (shoulder), Ryan O'Reilly (finger), Carl Dahlstrom (shoulder), Jake Muzzin (spine), Luke Schenn (day to day, personal)
• Colorado: Josh Manson (lower body), Pavel Francouz (lower body), Erik Johnson (ankle), Kurtis MacDermid (day to day, lower body), Gabriel Landeskog (knee), Darren Helm (lower body), Artturi Lehkonen (day to day, upper body)

Prediction:

This game promises to be a closely contested one, with both teams having quality on both ends of the ice. However, we believe that Toronto's solid defense and potent offense will be too much for the Avalanche to handle, especially considering their recent injuries. Our pick for this game is the Toronto Maple Leafs to win.

Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs