How to Bet the Maple Leafs’ Huge Line vs. Arizona

The NHL rocks nine games on Monday night. Ontario sports bettors should exercise some caution.

Get ready for a big Monday

After 15 games on Saturday, the NHL took Sunday off. Whatever the reason, NHL teams were given a free breather.

To help you with your NHL betting, let’s look at what’s happening with some Canadian teams.

Arizona Coyotes with the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are up against the Coyotes and Erik Kallgren will get the start in goal rather than Ilya Samsonov. With Matt Murray on the LTIR, this gives Kallgren a chance to play.

Even against Toronto’s third goalie, Arizona is a clear underdog at 5.19. The Maple Leafs are currently a favorite at 1.19 and the number might be worth watching just for perspective. The Maple Leafs are 2-1 and the Coyotes are 0-2.

Yes, the Coyotes under Andre Tourigny will undergo another “massive” rebuild. Arizona lost 50 games in 2021-22 and is likely to surpass that mark this year. Early on, the Coyotes scored 12 goals and scored five goals. Meanwhile, Toronto is averaging three goals per game and giving up 2.67 per contest.

When a game is as one-sided as a moneyline, Canadian sports bettors should take a little break. The puckline (-1.5 goals) is also 1.49. The Auston Matthews prop for anytime goals rolls in at 1.63. Matthews is from Arizona. On the surface, finding even decent value feels like a challenge.

Other players’ props can be a way to get around these numbers. Anytime goals from the Leafs’ Michael Bunting or the Coyotes’ Clayton Keller are around 3.00. Arizona’s Nick Schmaltz is at 3.25. Be versatile tonight.

Pittsburgh Penguins at the Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are going to be pacing a bit all season. Jake Allen is on maternity leave so Cayden Primeau has been called up for tonight’s game. That puts a damper on what could be an “angry election.”

Montreal and all teams recovered on Sunday, which should help the Canadians. Pittsburgh historically has had some trouble playing in Montreal. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for such a thing. Still, the losses have occurred. Many pundits point to the qualifying round where the Canadians shocked the Penguins, winning three out of four.

The question is, how can this be translated now? Pittsburgh beat Montreal 6-0 in Montreal last year, but that was before Martin took over St. Louis. The Canadians stayed close to Toronto and won their first game but looked less stellar for Detroit in Saturday’s loss.

Here, too, the focus should be on the entertainment factor. The over here is 1.87, set at 6.5 goals. Montreal is a halfway fascinating 3.22 on the money line. Could Pittsburgh be caught napping tonight? Check out some shot and goal player props tonight if you’re squeamish about the Canadians.

Nick Suzuki for anytime goal at 3.25 is an excellent little bet while looking again at Jake Guentzel for shots and Pittsburgh’s anytime goal has to be in play. Finally, it doesn’t hurt that the winger has 12 shots on target in his first two games.

Some random bets for Canadian sports bettors tonight

Here are some initial ideas:

• Toronto Parlay – Matthews goal, money line and over 6.5 goals – 2.55
• Nick Suzuki anytime goal – 3.25
• Jake Guentzel About 3.5 shots – 2.00

Good luck and take a look at our previews and more.

Numbers are via Sports Interaction and BetMGM.