Devils Look to Extend Maple Leafs’ Slide in Newark
— Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils Prediction on March 4, 2026
The Toronto Maple Leafs head to Newark trying to stop a rough stretch as they visit the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Toronto has struggled since the Olympic break and arrives on a losing run, while New Jersey recently picked up an important win that steadied its home stand. That contrast in form frames the angle for this NHL pick. The Devils have shown better defensive structure lately, while the Maple Leafs still rely heavily on their top scoring line to carry the offense.
Our Maple Leafs vs Devils Pick
📌 Pick: New Jersey Devils Moneyline -122
📈 Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils
- Date & Time: March 4, 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: Prudential Center
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Odds
| Moneyline | Puckline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Leafs +102 | Devils -122 | Maple Leafs +1.5 -265 | Devils -1.5 +215 | Over 5.5 -125 | Under 5.5 +105 |
Key Storylines
Recent form
Toronto enters the game in a difficult stretch. The Maple Leafs lost their most recent outing 3 to 2 in a shootout against Philadelphia and have now dropped four straight games. During that span Toronto has struggled to close out tight games, allowing opponents to stay within reach deep into the third period.
New Jersey enters the matchup with confidence after a strong 5 to 1 victory over Florida earlier in the week. That game highlighted a sharper defensive effort and efficient finishing from multiple lines. The Devils continue to lean on balanced scoring rather than relying on a single dominant unit.
Goaltending
The goaltending comparison is one of the most interesting aspects of this game. Jacob Markstrom has been steady for New Jersey, carrying a goals against average just above 2.00 while posting a save percentage around .920 in recent weeks. When he is in form, the Devils are comfortable slowing the game down and protecting the middle of the ice.
Toronto has rotated between goaltenders throughout the season. Joseph Woll has delivered several strong performances, including a shutout earlier in the season against New Jersey. The challenge for Toronto is consistency, as defensive breakdowns in front of the net have often left its goaltenders facing high danger chances.
Key skaters
Auston Matthews remains Toronto’s most dangerous scoring threat and continues to drive the Maple Leafs offense. William Nylander has also been productive this season, leading the team in points and creating chances off the rush. Mitch Marner provides another major playmaking option and continues to lead the club in assists.
New Jersey’s offense revolves around Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Hughes has been one of the Devils’ most dynamic forwards and leads the team in points when healthy. Jesper Bratt adds speed and creativity on the wing, while Dougie Hamilton contributes heavily from the blue line with both scoring and puck distribution.
Injury Report
Toronto enters the game with most of its core lineup available, though the team has managed a few minor day to day situations during this road stretch. The Maple Leafs are expected to have their main scoring group in place, which keeps their top two lines intact heading into this matchup.
New Jersey is dealing with a few longer term absences. Defenseman Luke Hughes remains on injured reserve with an upper body injury, while winger Zack MacEwen is out for the season following knee surgery. Forward Stefan Noesen is also on injured reserve, which slightly reduces the Devils’ forward depth for this game.
Betting Trends & H2H
The Devils have been solid at home this season, posting a winning record at Prudential Center. Toronto has struggled more on the road, particularly during the recent losing stretch where defensive coverage has been inconsistent.
Puckline trends show that New Jersey has been competitive in close games, often keeping opponents within one goal margins. Toronto games have leaned slightly toward the over because of the team’s high end scoring talent combined with defensive lapses.
Head to head results have been competitive over the past two seasons, with several meetings decided by one or two goals. Toronto has claimed multiple wins in the series recently, but New Jersey’s improved defensive structure at home could shift that balance.
Maple Leafs vs Devils Model Projection
🏒 Score Projection: Toronto Maple Leafs 2 – New Jersey Devils 4
📊 Win Probability: Toronto Maple Leafs 43%, New Jersey Devils 57%
Final Thoughts
This game sets up as a test of structure against star power. Toronto still carries elite scoring ability at the top of the lineup, but recent defensive issues and the current losing streak create uncertainty entering this road game. New Jersey arrives with momentum from its last victory and benefits from playing at home where the Devils tend to control pace more effectively. If Markstrom delivers another steady performance in goal and the Devils continue to generate balanced scoring, New Jersey holds a slight edge in this matchup. Backing the Devils on the moneyline offers the clearest value angle for this NHL pick.
Best Bet: New Jersey Devils ML -122 ✔️