Free Picks: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers

Toronto and Edmonton are two of the highest-scoring teams in the North Division, as well as the NHL. When these teams meet, expect to see the lamp lighted multiple times. After Toronto managed to blank Edmonton this past week, I think we see the Oilers go back to their first period scoring ways. For this bet, I focus on the total goals O/U of the first period.

The outlook of the NHL season is vastly different than normal times. With the Leafs playing teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators, many are wondering how Toronto would fare against stronger competition.

I am not trying to discredit the Leafs. They recently shutout the Edmonton Oilers and have a chance to prove doubters wrong once again Monday night.

The Maple Leafs face a lot of scrutiny but have been solid so far. One of the highest-scoring teams in the NHL, I expect Toronto to be firing on all cylinders.

Edmonton being shutout doesn’t happen often. The Oilers’ 4-0 loss to Toronto was the first time this season they failed to score a goal.

With that knowledge, I think we see a lot of scoring in the first period of Monday. Toronto is looking to build off a shutout, while the Oilers hope to score early and often to find their groove.

Toronto and Edmonton are both high-scoring first-period teams, which has directly impacted the total goals for the first frame. The Oilers have scored 29 goals in the first, while Toronto has tallied 22 goals in the opening frame.

Edmonton isn’t strong on defense, which is why I think this is one of my favorite picks. While the Oilers themselves are high-scoring, opposing teams have been known the light the lamp in the opening 20 minutes.

This contest hitting the first period over is one of the best bets for today. Edmonton and Toronto are two high-scoring teams that should have no trouble firing in the first period.

I normally don’t focus on first-period totals for my NHL bets, but Edmonton is efficient in the first period. Granted, their past two games have seen a decline in first-period production. But with that being said, I think this means Edmonton is due for increased performance.

Toronto is hot, so I want to ride their offensive wave in the opening period.

• Toronto averages 1 goal per game in the first period.
• The Leafs score 3.67 goals per game on the road.
• Edmonton scores 1.24 goals in the first period.
• The Oilers allow 3.50 goals against at home.