Scotiabank Arena hosts Monday’s NHL matchup between the Maple Leafs and Sharks, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Our Sharks vs. Maple Leafs prediction is Macklin Celebrini to record at least two points, backed by his projected top-line role and recent scoring production.
The Maple Leafs have lost four of their last five games, while the Sharks have won two of their last five. Neither club brings a strong run of results into this one, but our wager doesn’t require San Jose to leave Toronto with a win.
Check the latest NHL odds at the best NHL betting sites before locking in any wagers.
Our Sharks vs. Maple Leafs Prediction
Macklin Celebrini 2+ points
Celebrini is projected to centre San Jose’s top line and feature on its first power-play unit. Those assignments would give him opportunities to contribute at even strength and with the man advantage, although they remain projected rather than confirmed.
Recent outings offer some encouragement: Celebrini recorded two points or more in four of six games already this season. And now, he’ll get the chance to feast on a Toronto team allowing a lofty 3.44 goals per game, which ranks 22nd in the NHL.
Celebrini has 11 points through six games while boasting a mark of 66.4% expected goals while he’s on the ice. He’s also averaging a hearty 4.82 points per 60 minutes.
Sharks vs. Maple Leafs Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sharks moneyline odds | +114 |
| Maple Leafs moneyline odds | -134 |
| Puck line odds | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+175), Sharks +1.5 (-210) |
| Game total | Over 6.5 goals (-129), Under 6.5 (+109) |
Probable Starting Goaltenders
San Jose: Yaroslav Askarov (2-3, 3.99 GAA, .848 SV%)
Toronto: Sergei Bobrovsky (1-3-2, 3.29 GAA, .890 SV%)
Betting the Sharks (4-4 SU, 5-3 ATS, 4-4 o/u)
San Jose is 2–2 away from home, and Quentin Musty is listed as unavailable for Monday’s game.
Celebrini will also face Gavin McKenna after the two spent part of the summer skating and training together in Vancouver. McKenna came away impressed by the work Celebrini put in away from games.
“We spent a lot of time on the ice and in the gym, and I think honestly that translates to his on-ice stuff,” McKenna said. “When you’re working hard off the ice, it just improves your game.”
Betting the Maple Leafs (3-6 SU, 6-3 ATS, 5-4 o/u)
John Tavares and defenceman Chris Tanev are listed as unavailable for Toronto. McKenna’s deployment is another storyline after his reduced playing time against Buffalo.
McKenna said coach Jim Hiller told him the decision had nothing to do with his play: “I trust him. I trust the team. That’s what they want to do, so I’m willing to play whatever role this team wants.”
Hiller accepted responsibility for the benching and acknowledged that he could have handled the third period differently after McKenna sat through penalties.
“That was my decision,” Hiller said. “Now that I’ve sat him for so long, I probably should’ve got him out in the third.”
That acknowledgement leaves McKenna’s assignment against San Jose open rather than promising him a larger role.
Sharks vs. Maple Leafs Player Prop Trends
- Easton Cowan has recorded two or more shots on goal in six straight games and is -145 to extend that streak.
- Darnell Nurse has recorded two or more shots on goal in five straight games and is -135 to extend that run.
- Will Smith has collected a point in three straight games and is -165 to make it four in a row.
