Maple Leafs vs Blues: Projected Lineups, Injury Updates, and Betting Predictions for November 2nd Clash

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center on Saturday, November 2, 2024, in a highly anticipated NHL matchup. Here are the projected lineups and key updates for both teams.

The Maple Leafs, currently standing at 6-4-1, are looking to continue their winning streak after a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. Their projected lineup includes notable combinations such as Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner on the first line, and Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, and William Nylander on the second line. Ryan Reaves will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in the previous game, replacing Nicholas Robertson.

The St. Louis Blues, with a record of 5-6-0, are aiming to break their three-game losing streak. Their lineup features Brandon Saad, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jake Neighbours on the first line, and Dylan Holloway, Brayden Schenn, and Jordan Kyrou on the second line. The Blues are dealing with several injuries, including Robert Thomas (ankle), Nick Leddy (lower body), Mathieu Joseph (lower body), and Kasperi Kapanen (upper body), all of whom are expected to miss the game.

Betting predictions favor the Maple Leafs, given their recent form and the Blues’ struggles with scoring. The Maple Leafs have won eight of their last nine night games against Central Division opponents and are averaging 3.27 goals per game, while the Blues are averaging only 2.55 goals per game. The odds suggest a strong likelihood of the Maple Leafs winning in regulation time.

This game also holds special significance as Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube returns to St. Louis for the first time since his tenure with the Blues ended. Berube will be recognized by the Blues during the game for his contributions, including leading the team to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2019.

Goaltender Jordan Binnington is close to achieving milestones for the Blues, needing one more win to match Jake Allen for second on the franchise’s all-time wins list and one more appearance to match Allen in games played.

The game is set to start at 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on various networks including FanDuel Sports Network, Sportsnet, and CBC.