Toronto Maple Leafs vs Winnipeg Jets prediction, Picks and Prediction, Saturday, January 17, 2025

The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Winnipeg Jets with both teams looking to improve on rough seasons. The Maple Leafs are 23-16-8 and on the outside of the playoff picture looking in but they’ve won six of their last 10 games. The Jets are 19-22-5 and have the second-worst record in the Western Conference but they’ve won four games in a row. Who will win this game? Check out our Maple Leafs vs Jets prediction!

Stay out of the penalty box! Choose our NHL Predictions and hoist the Cup!

Maple Leafs hope defense improves

The Maple Leafs are having a rough season despite their offense stepping up and scoring 3.36 goals per game. John Tavares and Matthew Knies have scored 29 goals and 43 assists while Auston Matthews and Bobby McMann have combined for 37 goals and 25 assists to add depth to the forward unit.

The offense has been great but the defense has let them down, allowing 3.28 goals per game with 12 goals in the last two games. Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson have combined for 5.1 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to easily find open shots on the net. Additionally, goaltender Joseph Woll has struggled in his latest starts, allowing nine goals in the last two games.

Key injury report for Maple Leafs

• William Nylander is out. Has 17 goals and 31 assists.
• Anthony Stolarz (upper body)started facing shots. Is the starting goaltender.
• Chris Tanev (groin) will miss significant time. Is a key part of the defense.

Winnipeg hopes the offense turns the season around

The Jets are looking to turn a corner on a rough season with their offense leading the way, scoring 3.04 goals per game with 20 goals in the last four games. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor have scored 45 goals and 68 assists while Gabriel Vilardi, Jonathan Toews, and Alex Iafallo have combined for 34 goals and 45 assists to add depth to the forward unit.

The offense has stepped up but the defense has struggled, allowing 3.11 goals per game. Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo have combined for 6.5 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has struggled lately, allowing 17 goals in the last five games.

Key injury report for Jets

• Neal Pionk is on injured reserve. Is a key part of the defense.

Maple Leafs vs Jets Pick

Money Line Pick For Maple Leafs vs Jets

• Jets (-125) (4 units)

The Jets have won four games in a row and I see them taking over this game on their home ice. The Jets, who average 3.04 goals per game, should pile on the goals against the Maple Leafs, who average 3.28 goals per game, with Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Jets should win the Maple Leafs offense with Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to make plenty of big saves. The Jets should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.

Take the Jets money line as home Favorites.

Over/Under Pick For Maple Leafs vs Jets

• Over 5.5 (5 Units)

The Jets and Maple Leafs have played great offense lately and I see this game being a high-scoring one from the first period. The Maple Leafs, who average 3.36 goals per game, should pile on the goals with John Tavares, Auston Matthews, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Jets, who have scored 20 goals in the last four games, should run up the score against the Maple Leafs, who have allowed 12 goals in their last two games, with Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence while creating open shots with effective puck movement to overwhelm the Maple Leafs defense. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both offenses stepping up.

Take the Over on 5.5 goals.