First, let's get the negatives out of the way. The Avalanche are playing well. They also are getting healthier. Toronto is expected to start back-up goalie MIchael Hutchinson. He hasn't been good this season.
OK, so why then back the Maple Leafs?
I really want Toronto going for me at home today after the Maple Leafs were embarrassed, 6-1, on the road by the Flyers last night. Before that defeat, the Maple Leafs had turned their season around under new coach Sheldon Keefe posting a 4-1 record.
The price is short enough to back the Maple Leafs in what should be a spirited effort from them. Toronto beat Colorado, 5-3, on the road Nov. 23. The Maple Leafs scored four of those goals in 15 shots against Philipp Grubauer, who is projected to be in net for the Avalanche.