Free Picks: Winnipeg Jets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

When you look at Winnipeg and Toronto, the first thing you’re going to notice is their natural goal-scoring ability. These teams have perfected putting the biscuit in the cage, which has me excited for this one. With the offensive prowess of Toronto, teamed with the developing Winnipeg offense, I think hockey fans that love goal scoring are going to be delighted in this game.

Toronto fans are loving the talent and superiority they hold over the remaining Canadian franchises. In the North Division, Toronto sits happily in first place and has been the number one seed in the division for many weeks.

Tuesday night, they will be put to the test when they take on the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets are also making a name for themselves in the all-Canadian division but sit behind Toronto by 7 points.

There isn’t a lot to go off of in this contest, based on head-to-head interactions. Toronto and Winnipeg have met once this season, with the Maple Leafs getting the better of the Jets. With that being said, I think I know which way I am leaning for this expert pick.

For this free NHL pick, I want to focus on the total goals. Winnipeg is a middle-of-the-pack defensive squad, which has me thinking about the over for this game. Toronto’s offense is elite – despite Auston Matthews failing to score a goal in 5 straight games.

What makes Toronto so deadly is their offensive depth. The Maple Leafs have lit up their opposition earlier this season, and I see the trend continuing on Tuesday.

To score, you need to shoot. And for Toronto, all they do is shoot. Toronto averages over 30 shots per game. With players like Marner, Matthews, and Tavares firing, it’s no surprise the team is scoring at will.

Winnipeg is quietly one of the better teams in the league as well on offense. The Jets rank 9th in total goals and average the 6th highest goals per game.

All signs are pointing to a high-scoring affair in Toronto. I think the Jets and Maple Leafs have no trouble scoring, and maybe Matthews will end his goal drought in the process.

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg’s last 7 games.
• Winnipeg averages 3.20 goals per game against Toronto in last 10.
• The over has cashed in 6 of the last 10 games between WPG/TOR.
• The total has gone over in 13 of last 17 games between Leafs and Jets.