The San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. This matchup features two teams at opposite ends of the NHL standings, with the Maple Leafs vying for playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division and the Sharks enduring a challenging season. Here’s a detailed preview:
Team Overview
- San Jose Sharks (15-37-9): The Sharks are currently last in the Pacific Division and have struggled throughout the season. They are coming off a 5-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on March 1, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. San Jose has faced difficulties on both ends of the ice, averaging just 2.4 goals per game while allowing 3.9 goals per game. Their road record of 7-20-3 highlights their struggles away from home.
- Toronto Maple Leafs (38-20-2): The Maple Leafs are third in the Atlantic Division and are in excellent form, having won five straight games. They are coming off a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 2. Toronto boasts one of the league’s most potent offenses, averaging 3.8 goals per game, while their defense has been solid, allowing 2.7 goals per game. The Leafs have been dominant at home, with a 20-8-1 record.
Key Players to Watch
- San Jose Sharks:
- William Eklund: The young forward has been a bright spot for the Sharks, contributing 12 goals and 18 assists this season. His playmaking ability will be crucial for San Jose’s offense.
- Mario Ferraro: Ferraro leads the Sharks’ defense with his physical play and shot-blocking ability. He has five goals and 11 points this season while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game.
- Kaapo Kahkonen: The goaltender will need to deliver a standout performance to give the Sharks a chance against Toronto’s high-powered offense.
- Toronto Maple Leafs:
- Auston Matthews: Matthews leads the Leafs with 38 goals and 32 assists this season. His scoring ability and leadership make him a constant threat.
- Mitch Marner: Marner has been a key playmaker, contributing 25 goals and 50 assists. His vision and creativity are vital to Toronto’s success.
- Joseph Woll: With the Leafs playing the second game of a back-to-back, Woll is expected to start in goal. He has been reliable this season, with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.
Matchup Analysis
- Offense vs. Defense: Toronto’s high-powered offense, which ranks among the league’s best, will test San Jose’s struggling defense. The Sharks have allowed the second-most goals in the NHL this season, making this a challenging matchup for their blue line.
- Special Teams: The Maple Leafs’ power play is converting at an impressive 26.8%, while the Sharks’ penalty kill has been inconsistent, operating at 75.2%. Special teams could play a significant role in this game.
- Key Battle: The duel between Auston Matthews and Mario Ferraro will be a highlight. Matthews’ scoring prowess will test Ferraro’s defensive capabilities, and their performances could influence the outcome.
San Jose Sharks 6.5
Toronto Maple Leafs – 395
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 2, 2025
