Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Broadcast: ESPN+ (national/streaming); possible regional on Sportsnet Ontario (TOR) or MSG Sportsnet (NJD); Hulu in some markets
Radio: Sportsnet 590 The Fan (TOR) / Devils Hockey Network / WFAN 66 AM (NJD)
Game Context
- Maple Leafs: 7th in Atlantic Division, 13th in Eastern Conference (64 points). Toronto sits on the playoff bubble, struggling defensively (3.43 GA/G, near league-worst) but potent offensively (3.18 GF/G, top-10 range). They are 11-14-3 on the road and have dropped four straight games entering this matchup.
- Devils: Middle-pack in Metropolitan Division (around .500 overall), 14-13-2 at home. New Jersey has shown flashes of high-octane play but inconsistent results; offense ranks lower (2.47-2.51 GF/G), defense solid (3.00-3.03 GA/G). They are pushing for wildcard positioning in a competitive East.
This is the final meeting of the 2025-26 regular season (series split 1-1 so far; TOR won a prior game 4-0 in December 2025).
Injury Report
Toronto Maple Leafs
- Chris Tanev (D): Out – Groin (LTIR; expected return ~April 4 or later)
- William Nylander (RW): Day-to-Day / GTD – Lower Body (missed recent games; status uncertain)
- Auston Matthews (C): Game-Time Decision – Lower Body (listed as questionable; high usage if active)
- Dakota Joshua (F): Out – Upper Body / Kidney-related (long-term concern from prior hit; out indefinitely)
New Jersey Devils
- Stefan Noesen (RW): Out – Knee (LTIR; targeted return ~March 14)
- Zack MacEwen (RW): Out – Knee (post-surgery; out for season)
Key note: Toronto’s injury woes have forced heavy reliance on depth (e.g., Joseph Woll in net, secondary scoring from Knies/McMann). Devils miss physical forwards but core remains intact. Monitor Matthews/Nylander heavily — their presence shifts Toronto from vulnerable to dangerous.
Recent Form (Last 5 Games)
Maple Leafs: 1-3-1 (0-4 in regulation/OT losses recently; L4 streak)
- 3/2 vs PHI: L 2-3 (SO)
- Recent: Losses to OTT, FLA, TBL; mixed prior (e.g., wins over EDM/CGY earlier in stretch but skid now). Defensive breakdowns and goaltending strain evident.
Devils: 3-2-0 (better momentum; wins in recent home/road mix)
- Recent: W vs FLA/STL/PIT; losses to tougher foes. Offense clicking in wins; defense holding steady at home.
Toronto enters slumping badly (10 of 13 losses in recent stretch per trends); Devils more balanced lately.
Key Player Matchups
- Auston Matthews / William Nylander (if active) vs. Devils top line (e.g., Hischier/Bratt): Matthews’ elite finishing (high goal totals) vs. New Jersey’s shutdown center Nico Hischier. If both TOR stars play, huge edge; if out, Devils control center ice.
- Mitch Marner (TOR) vs. Devils defense (Hughes/Siegenthaler): Marner’s playmaking tested by NJD’s mobile blue line; key for transition.
- Joseph Woll / Anthony Stolarz (TOR goaltending) vs. Devils attack: Toronto’s .893-.907 SV% vulnerable; Devils need to exploit with volume (29+ SOG average).
- Jack Hughes / Jesper Bratt (NJD) vs. TOR backcheck: Speed demons can burn Leafs’ shaky D; big home-ice advantage.
- Special Teams: TOR PP 19.6% (middling); PK 83.1%. NJD similar but home edge in discipline.
Series History
- All-time regular season: Toronto leads slightly (exact all-time not detailed; competitive).
- 2025-26 season series: Split 1-1 (TOR won 4-0 shutout earlier; other result close).
- Last 5-10 meetings: Mixed; TOR has shutout win in recent prior but Devils competitive at Prudential Center.
- At Prudential Center: Devils strong historically vs. TOR; recent games low-to-moderate scoring.
Betting Trends
- Devils: Strong home favorites (~.500 record); covered in recent home games vs. slumping teams; Under in several low-event affairs.
- Maple Leafs: Struggling ATS/SU on road (11-14-3); Over hits frequently in losses (40 of 61 games combined >5.5). 4 straight losses; vulnerable without top forwards.
- Head-to-head: Mixed but recent games trend toward 5-6 total goals
Game Odds
Toronto Maple Leafs 5.5
New Jersey Devils – 122
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026
