Maple Leafs vs Stars NHL Predictions, Odds, Props, & Best Bets (12/18)

It’s a five-game night around the NHL on Wednesday, including a clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs (19-10-2) and Dallas Stars (19-11-0) at 7:30 p.m. ET. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best Maple Leafs vs. Stars bets to get in on the NHL betting action.

Can Toronto pull off the upset? Or will Dallas emerge victorious from what could be a high-scoring affair?

It’s Maple Leafs vs. Stars on ESPN+ and everything you need to know, from predictions to the latest odds, are below.

2024-25 NHL Game Predictions: 21-9-0 (70.0%)

2024-25 NHL Best Bet + Prop Record: 35-25-0 (58.3%)

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NHL Betting Today: Maple Leafs vs Stars (12/18)

Maple Leafs vs Stars Game Information

• Matchup: Toronto Maple Leafs (19-10-2, 5-6-2 Away) vs. Dallas Stars (19-11-0, 13-3-0 Home)
• Venue & Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)
• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
• Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Maple Leafs vs. Stars: ESPN+

Maple Leafs vs Stars NHL Betting Odds

All NHL odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 12:15 a.m. ET. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Maple Leafs vs Stars Puck Line

• Toronto Maple Leafs +1.5 (-210)
• Dallas Stars -1.5 (+180)

Stars vs Maple Leafs Over/Under

• Over 6 Goals (+109)
• Under 6 Goals (-125)

Maple Leafs vs Stars Moneyline

• Toronto Maple Leafs (+119)
• Dallas Stars (-134)

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Maple Leafs vs Stars NHL Betting Trends

• Toronto is 6-0 straight up in its last six games vs. Dallas.
• Dallas is 6-1 straight up in its last seven home games.
• The total hit the Over in four of Toronto’s last six road games.
• The total hit the Over in four of Dallas’ last five games played on Wednesday.
• The total hit the Under in five of the last seven Toronto-Dallas matchups.

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Maple Leafs vs Stars NHL Predictions & Picks (12/18)

It’ll be a potential Stanley Cup preview at American Airlines Center when these contenders collide tonight. The Maple Leafs enter this evening’s tilt tied for the fifth-best Stanley Cup odds (+1200) on BetOnline while the Stars are slightly ahead of them in fourth (+1000).

Each side’s recent performance further solidifies exactly why they’re title threats this season. The Maple Leafs are 13-5 SU across their last 18 outings and are coming off Sunday’s 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres that saw ex-captain John Tavares lead by example, scoring a hat trick in the second half.

On the other side, the Stars just picked up a 3-1 win against the Washington Capitals two nights ago, improving their record to 10-6 SU since Nov. 9.

The Stars’ recently successful run could be put on hold, though, if history is any indication. After all, they’ve lost six straight meetings against the Maple Leafs, being outscored by an average of 2.3 goals per game.

The Maple Leafs haven’t lost to the Stars since February 2020. 

Having said that, all trends eventually come to an end, and playing at home could give Dallas a major advantage.

The Stars have given their fans a lot to cheer about lately, going 6-1 SU across their last seven home games. They outscored those opponents 25-14 on aggregate while killing all but one of the 20 penalties they took during that stretch. Most of that success stems from Jason Robertson (3 G, 7 A), Roope Hintz (6 G, 2 A), and Jamie Benn (2 G, 5 A), who all played at a point-per-game pace.

The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are only 5-8 SU on the road this season, which involves losing twice in their last three away outings.

Toronto’s bid for a win could prove to be difficult now that starting goalie Anthony Stolarz is out for four-to-six weeks with a knee injury. Although Joseph Woll (8-4-0, 2.24 GAA, .918 SV%) has been solid this season, he’s only stopped 46-of-52 shots (88.5%) of shots in his last two road games, resulting in losses on each occasion.

As for the Stars, G Jake Oettinger has been posting All-Star-like numbers lately. In his last 14 appearances, the former Boston University product — who’s celebrating his 26th birthday — is 10-4-0 with a 2.16 GAA and .916 SV%.

Stars G Jake Oettinger has been one of the NHL’s best puck-stoppers since November. 

In what should be a fun game, I’m taking the Stars to stand tall at home. The Maple Leafs’ road play has been mixed lately, whereas the Stars have been consistently good at home. It could come down to the wire, though, and I wouldn’t be shocked if overtime is needed.

Keeping that in mind, I like the Stars’ moneyline odds enough to stick with a straight bet here.

Maple Leafs vs. Stars NHL Prediction: DAL wins

Best Maple Leafs vs. Stars NHL Bet: DAL ML (-131)

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Best Maple Leafs vs Stars NHL Player Prop (12/18)

Anytime you can get a plus-money Auston Matthews prop, you have to pounce on it. That’s why I recommend taking him to score an anytime goal (+120 on Bovada) for the best Maple Leafs vs. Stars player prop bet.

Despite dealing with injuries early in December, Matthews is now up to 10 goals in 21 games played. Five of those goals came in his last eight games, which includes two in three road outings. The Maple Leafs will need their captain to extend his recent success if they’re going to have a shot at upsetting the Stars.

Fortunately, games against Dallas tend to bring out the best in Matthews. The three-time “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner has a whopping 10 goals in 11 career meetings with the Stars, only being held goalless three games along the way.

With seven goals on his last six trips to the Lone Star State, expect another big performance from Matthews.

Best Maple Leafs vs. Stars Player Prop Bet: Auston Matthews Anytime Goal (+120)

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