Published Mar 4, 3:05am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 4, 3:05am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Mar 4, 3:05am ET
Two underperforming teams in the Eastern Conference of the NHL collide on March 4, as the Toronto Maple Leafs travel to the New Jersey Devils.
Toronto look to be in a losing battle to finish in a playoff spot, as they have dropped down the standings after suffering defeats in their last four. The NJ Devils will also need a reversal in their fortunes after losing seven of their last ten in regulation time.
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|
|---|---|
| NJ Devils | -118 |
| Maple Leafs | +104 |
It has been a hot period in the NHL for Sheldon Keefe’s NJ Devils, as they have recorded wins in each of their last two.
That momentum will need to be maintained if the franchise is to have any chance of finishing in a playoff spot in 2025-26. Plenty of positives can be drawn from their recent 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers, but it can’t be overlooked that they will be playing on back-to-back nights.
Connor Brown ended the recent success with two assists, while goals in the big win were scored by Dougie Hamilton, Cody Glass, and Dawson Mercer.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs will face a potentially season-defining period over the next seven days if they are to keep alive their faint hopes of a playoff spot.
They come into this clash in miserable form, losing each of their last four, and suffering six regulation defeats in their last ten. The Leafs have also allowed the most goals of any side in the Atlantic Division.
Defensive woes have been apparent in their recent outings, allowing 12 goals in their last three. Last time out, they were beaten in a shootout by the Philadelphia Flyers.
| TOTAL | Devils | Leafs | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 172 | 62 | 90 | - |
| GOALS | 1061 | 504 | 557 |
The Leafs have endured a miserable record on the road this season, and their recent form will give them a limited chance of reversing their fortunes in New Jersey. Therefore, the preference is for the in-form Devils this week.
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NJ Devils
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