New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Pick & Prediction JANUARY 16th 2025

Preview and Prediction

The Toronto Maple Leafs are determined to ignite their offense and put an end to their three-game losing streak on Thursday night when they face the New Jersey Devils at home, led by former coach Sheldon Keefe.

This will be Keefe's first game back in Toronto since Craig Berube took over as coach after last season.

The Maple Leafs suffered a 4-1 defeat against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, following a 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, both of which were home games. This marks their first three consecutive regulation losses this season, and there were even some boos from the crowd.

"I mean, I think it's frustrating losing," stated Toronto's Oliver-Ekman Larsson. "So, I think we feel the same way."

The Maple Leafs were also met with boos during the final moments of their game against the Canucks on Saturday, the first game of their three-game homestand.

"They do it in every rink, don't they? I mean, it's part of the game," said Berube. "They pay good money and they come to see hockey, and they want to see us win. That's the way it goes."

The Devils suffered a 2-1 shootout loss against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday and have a record of 2-4-2 in their last eight games, with the first six being played on the road.

"I thought it was a solid game for us in lots of ways," Keefe commented. "You'd like to make one or two more plays here or there or finish one or two more of our chances, but there's lots to like in a game that gives us every chance to win against a good team."

The loss to the Panthers put an end to the Devils' six-game winning streak at home. They have since split two home games after a disappointing 1-4-1 road trip.

"Like all teams in this league, it's tough to get points and you've got to take them when you can," said Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who made 27 saves. "We played some good hockey and good defensive hockey. We've got a big game coming up."

Toronto has been struggling on the power play, going 0-for-2 on Tuesday while the Stars were able to capitalize on 2 out of 3 power play opportunities.

"It was a special teams battle tonight, I thought five-on-five it was a pretty even game, pretty tight game, not much going on either way," Berube explained. "We've got to win that battle. We're not getting the bounces I don't think, but we're not executing well enough. I think we can execute better. We seem a little off on the execution part of things."

During their first power play of the game, Toronto hit the goal post twice in the first period.

"Our execution can be better," said Auston Matthews, who scored Toronto's only goal. "I mean, we're going through adversity right now. And as much as you prefer not to go through that, it's necessary sometimes, and these are the kind of moments where we've got to come together even more and stick with each other and work our way out of it."

After Tuesday's game, Toronto ranked 18th in the league for power play success.

During Wednesday's practice, Toronto's John Tavares appeared to injure his leg during a power play drill. "Hopefully he's OK," Berube stated.

Jake McCabe, who has been out with an upper-body injury, returned to practice and is expected to rejoin the Toronto defense soon.

The Maple Leafs previously defeated the Devils 2-1 in overtime on December 10th and 4-2 on October 10th, both games taking place in Newark, New Jersey.

PREDICTION

New Jersey Devils

4

3

Toronto Maple Leafs

New Jersey Devils vs. Toronto Maple Leafs