Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche Predictions

Colorado's scoring drives the matchup

ColoradoAvalanche.com reports that the Avalanche have scored 23 goals through a 3-1-0 start, including an NHL-leading 19 at five-on-five. Nathan MacKinnon has three goals and five assists in four games. That production makes Colorado the likely winner, but bettors must pay -218 on the SPF moneyline.

Toronto enters 2-2-1 after a 4-3 shootout loss at Vegas, while Colorado's latest result was a 7-3 win over Calgary. The Maple Leafs still have capable scorers: William Nylander has three goals and six points, and Auston Matthews has four assists and six points through five games.

Toronto must adjust without Tavares

NHL.com reports that John Tavares will miss the game following the birth of his son. He recorded one goal and two assists in Toronto's first five games, and Nick Paul is expected to replace him in the top six, potentially centering Nylander and Easton Cowan. That change favors Colorado, but the available evidence doesn't show how well Toronto's revised line will perform.

Betting view

Colorado is favored by 1.5 goals, but SPF does not list a price for either side of the puck line. The total is 6.5, with the Over at -115 and the Under at -105. Colorado's early scoring creates an argument for the Over, but the probable starting goaltenders and broader injury information are unavailable. Those gaps make the moneyline, puck line and total passes.