The St. Louis Blues head north to Southern Ontario to faceoff against a slumping Toronto Maple Leafs, and the stakes couldn’t feel higher for both teams. Welcome back to NHL Predictions with us here at Last Word On Hockey. The Leafs are reeling, losers of five straight and sitting at just 8–9–2. On top of that, they’re without key pieces. That includes Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz, and Chris Tanev are all unavailable, leaving major holes in both their offence and defence. Meanwhile, the Blues themselves aren’t exactly rolling. With a 6–9–4 record so far this season, St. Louis has taken a few lumps, but they brings a dangerous mix of experience and opportunism into Toronto.
NHL Predictions
2025-26 Head-To-Head: Leafs 0-0 Blues
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: Sportsnet Ontario, TNT, ABC, Hulu
Let’s be honest, Toronto’s defensive woes are still the story. Toronto’s defence hasn’t just stumbled, it’s been exposed. Without Tanev, their structure has thinned out, and the team is giving up far too many high-danger chances. The Leafs’ goals-against average is still bloated, and loosely defended breakouts and odd-man rushes are a serious problem. The Blues, meanwhile, are well-suited to make teams pay in those mistakes, with a younger yet capable core that thrives on transition.
Why the Blues Have the Edge
It’s all about timing, eh? St. Louis does know how to strike, when the moment is just right. The Blues may not be top contenders this year, but they still know how to whet the blade. Players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou are capable of high-end offensive bursts, and their depth forwards are responsible enough defensively to make balanced contributions. On a night where Toronto’s roster is patchwork at best, St. Louis could control the pace and patiently pick their spots.
Not for any added pressure, but it is mounting in Toronto. Five losses in a row are never just about the scoreboard. It’s about doubt. With Matthews out, the burden shifts down the depth chart. Stolarz’s exit from the net further destabilizes things. Internally, Toronto must be feeling the pressure grow. For the Blues, playing a heavily injured Leafs team with momentum on their side is a golden opportunity, one that could swing their season upward if they don’t squander it.
How the Leafs Could Respond To Early Season Struggles
The Leafs still have offensive thoroughbreds. Even without Matthews, Toronto’s forward group remains dangerous. William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies all have the skill and experience to create scoring chances. If the Leafs are smart with matchups, they can leverage those forwards to apply pressure and generate sustained possession. That said, they’ll need more jump, more structure, and more execution.
Maybe, just maybe, desperation can be a spark. Sometimes adversity brings out a team’s edge. With the injuries piling up and losses stacking, the Leafs may come out with renewed intensity, especially early in the game. Veterans like Nylander and Tavares know how big these moments are. Expect Toronto to lean on them hard, with more aggressive forechecking and a tighter defensive identity if only to stop the bleeding.
Hey, let’s keep in mind, that the Blues aren’t perfect. Absurd, right? St. Louis has its own imperfections. They’ve shown inconsistency, particularly on the road, and their special teams have moments when they can break down. If Toronto locks down its defensive zone or forces the Blues into mistakes, there’s a window. But if the Leafs slow down, they risk being outmatched.
Prediction & Key Bets
Final Score Prediction: Blues 4 – Maple Leafs 2
Expect the Blues to control this one. They’ll use their speed and smart transitions, capitalize on Toronto’s defensive lapses, and withstand whatever push the Leafs put together late. Toronto may generate chances, but the Blues edge them in depth and structure.
Best Betting Angles:
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Moneyline: St. Louis Blues win
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Total Goals: Over 6.0, both teams can score, and Toronto’s defence is suspect
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Player Prop: Jordan Kyrou to register a point
What Is Riding on This Game?
For Toronto, this game is a must-win moment not just to end the skid, but to save face. Another loss deepens the crisis and raises serious questions about goaltending, lineup construction, and roster health.
For the Blues, this is a chance to grab momentum. A win in Toronto could be a springboard, a sign that, even with a rocky start, they belong in the conversation and can compete against struggling but storied franchises.
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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