Sports
Golden Knights vs Maple Leafs: Preview, Predictions, and Key Matchups for November 20
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights faced off in an exciting NHL matchup on November 20, 2024, at the Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs, with a record of 11-6-2, were looking to extend their winning streak after securing two consecutive victories, including a thrilling overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers.
The Golden Knights, boasting an 11-5-2 record and leading the Pacific Division, were seeking to bounce back from a recent loss to the Washington Capitals. Despite their strong offensive performance, averaging 4.00 goals per game, the Golden Knights have struggled defensively, allowing 3.17 goals per game. Key players like Jack Eichel, Ivan Barbashev, and Pavel Dorofeyev have been instrumental in their offensive success.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, have been solid on both ends of the ice. With Auston Matthews out due to an upper-body injury, the team has relied on collective efforts, particularly from players like Bobby McMann, who has been on a hot streak with goals in back-to-back games. McMann’s promotion to the top line alongside John Tavares and Mitch Marner has significantly increased his ice time and scoring opportunities.
Betting trends and predictions favored the Maple Leafs, given their strong home record and defensive prowess. The Maple Leafs are 8-3 on the moneyline at home this season and have a defense ranked sixth in the league, allowing just 2.63 goals per game. The Golden Knights, despite their offensive strengths, have struggled with defensive consistency, which was expected to be a critical factor in the game.
The game was anticipated to be high-scoring, with both teams possessing potent offenses. The over/under was set at 6 goals, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring affair given the Golden Knights’ average of 4.00 goals per game and the Maple Leafs’ recent scoring form.
In terms of player availability, the Golden Knights were without key players such as Mark Stone and Victor Olofsson due to lower-body injuries, while the Maple Leafs were missing several players including Auston Matthews and Max Pacioretty. These absences could have impacted the teams’ strategies and performance.