Lightning vs Maple Leafs Picks and Prediction – 10/21/2024

The Tampa Bay Lightning travel to Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 21, 2024, in a crucial early-season matchup between two Eastern Conference contenders. Both teams have started the season strong, and this game could be a key indicator of how these rivals will stack up in the Atlantic Division. Get in on all the action with our free NHL picks.

The Maple Leafs, led by Auston Matthews, have come out of the gate with a solid 3-2-0 record. Matthews has been in top form, with 2 goals in the first five games, while William Nylander has contributed with 3 goals and 4 points overall. The Leafs' offense is firing on all cylinders, especially with Mitch Marner adding his playmaking abilities, already tallying 4 assists. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov has been reliable with a .912 save percentage, anchoring the team’s defensive effort​.

The Lightning, coming in with a 3-1-0 record, are led by Nikita Kucherov, who is off to a blistering start with 7 goals and 9 points. Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel have been pivotal as well, contributing to Tampa Bay’s explosive offense, which is averaging 4 goals per game. However, Tampa’s defense will be tested against Toronto’s elite forwards, and the absence of injured goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy puts added pressure on backup Jonas Johansson, who has performed well with a .937 save percentage.

This game could come down to goaltending, with Toronto’s Samsonov slightly more experienced than Tampa Bay’s Johansson. Both teams have firepower, but Toronto’s home-ice advantage and Matthews’ current form give them the edge. Either way this should be a fantastic game. Expect a high-scoring gaffair, with the Maple Leafs pulling off a 4-3 victory.