Devils @ Leafs
2025-12-31T00:00Z | Scotiabank Arena | ESPN+, MSG
Here's what jumps out: both teams are dead even at 4-6 in their last 10, but that identical record masks completely different stories.
New Jersey's losses have been bloodbaths - they're giving up 3.8 goals per game during this stretch while their offense has stayed hot at 3.2 per game. Classic "exciting hockey, terrible goaltending" syndrome. Toronto's recent games have been coin flips decided by one goal, averaging 6.1 total goals across their last six home games.
The market set this total at 6.5, but both teams are playing loose, transition-heavy hockey right now. New Jersey's road power play is clicking at 28% over their last 10 away games, while Toronto's home penalty kill has been Swiss cheese at 74%.
Neither goaltender inspires confidence - Samsonov's .891 save percentage at home tells you everything about why Toronto keeps losing these tight games. When two offensively gifted teams meet with questionable goaltending, the math is simple.
**Take: Over 6.5** - This number should be 7.