Maple Leafs vs Lightning Picks and Prediction – 12/1/2024

The Toronto Maple Leafs (13-7-2) take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (11-8-2) at Amalie Arena in an Atlantic Division showdown. Toronto is coming off a tough 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, while Tampa Bay fell in a 5-4 contest against the Washington Capitals. Both teams will be eager to rebound in this divisional clash. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Toronto’s offense is led by William Nylander, who has 14 goals and 10 assists, supported by Mitch Marner’s 20 assists. Despite ranking 18th in goals scored with 65, the Maple Leafs are consistent in creating opportunities, sitting 16th in power play efficiency (20.3%). On defense, the Maple Leafs have been solid, allowing only 57 goals (4th in the NHL) and achieving an 82.1% penalty kill success rate. Goaltending has been a strength with Anthony Stolarz boasting a 2.33 goals against average and .921 save percentage.

Defensively, Toronto faces challenges with injuries to key players like Matthew Knies and Max Domi. The ability to suppress Tampa Bay’s high-octane offense will be pivotal. While the penalty kill has been reliable, maintaining discipline against the Lightning’s top-tier power play (23.4%) is critical to staying competitive.

Tampa Bay’s offensive firepower, spearheaded by Brayden Point (15 goals) and Nikita Kucherov (21 assists), ranks 6th in goals scored (80). The attack thrives on efficiency, with a league-leading 13.7% shooting percentage. On special teams, the Lightning capitalize on power-play opportunities but struggle with a 76.9% penalty kill, 23rd in the league.

Defensively, Tampa Bay has conceded 65 goals and leans heavily on Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has a 2.40 GAA and .910 save percentage. Vasilevskiy’s reliability in net will be tested against Toronto’s balanced attack. With injuries to Mitchell Chaffee and Nicholas Paul, Tampa Bay’s depth will be challenged to sustain pressure at both ends of the ice.

Tampa Bay’s potent offense, combined with a stellar power play and home-ice advantage, gives them the edge. Toronto’s defensive injuries could prove costly, and the Lightning’s efficiency in front of the net will likely tip the scales. Final Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning win 4-3.