Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Los Angeles Kings Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Tuesday, Jan. 02

We have your Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Los Angeles Kings prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the road to face the Los Angeles Kings.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (17-10-7) are set to face off against the Los Angeles Kings (20-8-5) in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams looking to assert their dominance in the league, this matchup is poised to be a battle of offensive prowess versus defensive resilience.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Los Angeles Kings Odds Info

Moneyline: Toronto Maple Leafs +114 (BetRivers) / Los Angeles Kings -130 (DraftKings)

Puck Line: -1.5 – Toronto Maple Leafs -215 (BetRivers) / Los Angeles Kings +170 (BetRivers)

Total: 6.5 – +105 (PointsBet) / -115 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 02

Time: 10:30 PM

Location: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA

TV: ESPN+

Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Trends

• This season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have hit 20 overs and 14 unders.
• On the road this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have hit 8 overs and 8 unders.
• As the underdog this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have hit 2 overs and 1 under.

Los Angeles Kings Betting Trends

• This season, the Los Angeles Kings have hit 12 overs and 21 unders.
• At home this season, the Los Angeles Kings have hit 8 overs and 9 unders.
• As the favorite this season, the Los Angeles Kings have hit 8 overs and 17 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the last two seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings have faced each other three times, with the Kings emerging victorious in two of those encounters. The first meeting took place on October 29, 2022, with the Kings winning 4-2 at home. The second game was on December 8, 2022, where the Maple Leafs secured a dominant 5-0 victory at home. The most recent clash occurred on October 31, 2023, with the Kings again triumphing, this time with a 4-1 scoreline. In terms of betting statistics, the Kings have covered the spread twice, while the Maple Leafs have done so once. Interestingly, all three games have resulted in the under hitting, with total scores of 5, 5, and 6 against closing over-under lines of 6.5, 5.5, and 6.5 respectively. The home team has won twice, and the visiting team once, indicating a slight home-ice advantage in this matchup. Other notable statistics include the Kings’ strong defensive performance with a total of 30 blocked shots across the three games, and the Maple Leafs’ struggle in the faceoff circle, winning only 42.6% of faceoffs in their most recent game.

The most recent game between the two teams on October 31, 2023, ended with a 4-1 victory for the Los Angeles Kings over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Kings’ Andreas Englund, Phillip Danault, Arthur Kaliyev, and Adrian Kempe each scored, with Kempe’s goal sealing the win in the third period. John Tavares scored the lone goal for the Maple Leafs. The Kings displayed a strong defensive game with 9 blocked shots and 18 hits, and they capitalized on their power play opportunities with a 25% conversion rate. The Maple Leafs’ goaltender, Joseph Woll, faced 27 shots and made 23 saves, ending the game with a save percentage of 0.852. In contrast, the Kings’ Cam Talbot had an impressive night with a save percentage of 0.967, stopping 29 of 30 shots. The Kings were the underdogs with a closing moneyline of +120, but they outperformed expectations, while the Maple Leafs, favored with a closing moneyline of -146, fell short.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Los Angeles Kings Predictions

The Maple Leafs are entering this game on a three-game losing streak, seeking to rediscover the form that saw them go 10-1-4 from mid-November to mid-December. Despite their recent struggles, Toronto’s offensive unit remains a threat, led by center Auston Matthews, who tops the NHL with 29 goals. William Nylander has also been a standout, contributing significantly with 48 points. However, the Maple Leafs’ defense has been a concern, with the team conceding an average of 3.44 goals against per game.

On the other side, the Kings have been impressive defensively, leading the NHL in goals against average and showcasing their ability to stifle opposing offenses. With a solid record of 20-8-5, they are a formidable opponent on home ice. Anze Kopitar continues to be a key player for Los Angeles, leading the team with 34 points. The Kings will be looking to maintain their defensive structure while capitalizing on power play opportunities, where they have a 19.3% success rate.

This game will also feature intriguing player matchups, including the faceoff between the Maple Leafs’ high-scoring Matthews and the Kings’ defensive stalwarts. Both teams have players capable of turning the game on its head, and special teams could play a pivotal role in the outcome. With the Maple Leafs aiming to improve their penalty kill and the Kings looking to exploit any power play chances, the battle between the Maple Leafs’ offense and the Kings’ defense will be one to watch.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Los Angeles Kings Pick

The decision to pick ‘Over’ is backed by the recent trends and statistics of both teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been involved in high-scoring games, with the ‘over’ hitting in ten of thirteen games since late November. This trend is indicative of their potent offense and less-than-stellar defense, which has seen them concede an average of 3.44 goals against per game. On the other side, the Los Angeles Kings, despite their defensive prowess, will be facing a Maple Leafs team that is very capable of scoring, which could push the total score higher. Additionally, the Kings have a respectable power play success rate, which could contribute to a higher goal tally if they capitalize on their opportunities.

While historic head-to-head matchups have tended to favor the ‘under’, the current dynamics suggest a shift towards a more open game. The Maple Leafs’ recent trend of hitting the ‘over’ and their need to bounce back from a losing streak could result in a more aggressive offensive approach. Furthermore, the Kings’ ability to score against a struggling Maple Leafs defense cannot be overlooked. Considering these factors, the ‘over’ seems to be the more likely outcome for this matchup, making it the right pick for the game.

The Pick: Over 6.5 -115 (BetRivers)

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs