Maple Leafs Look to Outgun Blackhawks Wednesday on TNT

Certainly, “Tanking” is a hot NHL betting top for teams like the Chicago Blackhawks.  At the onset of the season, it was obvious Chicago had no chance for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.  But they did have a real shot for the top pick in the NHL Draft lottery.  The Blackhawks are rebuilding but have two aging superstars from their dynasty years a decade ago.  Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews would be valued commodities on the trade market for a serious contender.  And there is a sense both will be moved by the March 3 trade deadline.

Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs CashBet Wagering Analysis

Chicago is a difficult top online sportsbook sell to the gambling public.  Accordingly, the casual sector wants nothing to do with the Blackhawks.  Especially in road games against strong clubs like the Maple Leafs.  Counter to that is sharps hating the huge price on the Leafs.  Toronto deserves to be a heavy favorite, but their price will raise legitimate value questions.  Any team in the NHL can beat any other team.  Upsets in the regular season happen routinely.  Only baseball gamblers can relate to this.

With the question of the enormous Toronto price and the inability of Chicago to win consistently comes the obvious solution.  The puck line is the only realistic and viable option for Toronto backers.  In contrast, bargain hunters will take the big Blackhawks’ number and hope for lightning to strike.

Blackhawks Continue to Drop as Trade Deadline Looms

Late on, Chicago has won two out of their last seven matchups.  The Blackhawks have gone under the total in three of its previous five tilts.

Overall, Chicago has NHL rankings of 31^st for goals scored and 25^th for power play efficiency.  Defensively, the Blackhawks have NHL rankings of 26^th for goals against and 24^th for penalty killing.

In sum, the Chicago Blackhawks have a record of 16-30-5 straight up and 26-25 over/under the Betting on NHL total.  Chicago is dead last in the Western Conference playoff standings.  Chicago is 28 points behind the last playoff spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

First among Chicago scorers is Max Domi with 14 goals, 21 assists, 35 points, and a -13.  Number one goaltender Petr Mrazek has a .885 save percentage and 3.95 goals-against average.  His record is 5-14-2 with 0 shutouts.  In comparison, backup goalie Alex Stalock has a .918 save percentage and 2.70 goals against average.  His record is 6-6-1 with one shutout.

Leafs Continue to Prep for the Real Verdict in April

Late on, Toronto has won two out of their last five matchups.  The Maple Leafs have gone 3-1-1 over the total in its last five tilts.

Overall, Toronto has NHL rankings of 8^th for goals scored and 5^th for power play efficiency.  Defensively, the Maple Leafs have NHL rankings of 6^th for goals against and 16^th for penalty killing.     

In sum, the Maple Leafs have a hockey betting record of 32-14-8 straight up and 23-29 over/under the total.  Toronto is 2^nd in the Atlantic Division playoff standings.  In the Atlantic Division playoff race, Toronto is 11 points behind the Boston Bruins.

First among Toronto scorers is Mitchell Marner with 19 goals, 45 assists, 64 points, and a +6.  Also, William Nylander has 29 goals, 32 assists, 61 points, and a +15.

Number one goaltender Ilya Samsonov has a .917 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against average.  His record is 18-6-2 with three shutouts.  In comparison, backup goalie Matt Murray has a .911 save percentage and 2.73 goals-against average.  His pro hockey betting record is 11-5-2 with one shutout. 

Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs CashBet Free Pick   

As mentioned earlier, the Maple Leafs stand a strong NHL gambling chance to win this game.  But Toronto’s price is too high.  The puck line is the best way to get the most value on the Leafs.

Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs CashBet Best Bet

Toronto Maple Leafs