Bet on NHL Maple Leafs vs Red Wings Rivalry Game

Every sport has its rivalry games, but there is something a little extra special about the meetings between the Original 6 teams in the NHL. Arguably, the biggest of these rivalries is the one that pits the Detroit Red Wings against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only do these teams share a long history, they are geographically close enough to almost be considered neighbors even though they are in separate countries. Both teams are in what may be described as a down period, but the meeting on Saturday afternoon is one that holds a high level of importance for the Red Wings. They are currently on the outside looking in at the playoffs, but are still well within reach of a coveted postseason spot. You can bet that former Wings coach Mike Babcock will be looking to hurt the hopes of his former friends when he takes to the bench as the Leafs coach. It’s all to play for here in this NHL Lines match up, and you can wager on it at MyBookie.ag.

How To Bet the Detroit Vs Toronto NHL Odds, TV & Game Info

When: Saturday, April 1 at 7 PM EST Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto TV: FSDT NHL Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings (38-28-11) are in one of the stranger spots in the NHL at the moment. Right now, they are sitting outside of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but they are also just 1 point back of the Boston Bruins in third in the Atlantic Division. If they can leapfrog them coming down the stretch, they can take an automatic playoff berth. The final 5 games of the season are huge for the Red Wings, and it will be a particularly tough weekend for them, with games on consecutive nights against Minnesota and Toronto. Detroit has taken 2 of 3 from the Leafs this season, but at just 5-5-0 in their last 10 games, they will not be looking at this one as a slam dunk. The Red Wings are averaging 2.5 GPG, and are giving up 2.7 GPG.

Why bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs (28-38-11) are, as expected, in the running to finish the season with the worst record in the NHL. Rather than going all out to land that record, as many teams do in an effort to get the top draft pick, the Leafs are finishing the season strong. Toronto have gone 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, and while that’s a small victory in the grand scheme of things, it may well be a sign that they are headed in the right direction under Mike Babcock. There are sure to be some mixed feelings behind the bench on Saturday night, but you have to feel that the Leafs are going to make every effort to rise up and get a win for their boss against his old team. Toronto are averaging 2.4 GPG, and are giving up 2.9 GPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Red Wings are sure to be the nervier of the two teams, and an early goal may help their cause. I think this one will be close, but that Detroit will get the win in the end. Detroit Red Wings 4 Toronto Maple Leafs 3