The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 8 p.m. EDT in Anaheim, California. This matchup comes on the heels of the Ducks' thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the New York Rangers, a game that showcased their resilience and determination. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, holding a strong record of 44-25-4, are looking to secure a winning record on their three-game California trip after a recent 3-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings.
The betting odds for the game are in favor of the Maple Leafs at -170, while the Ducks are positioned at +145, with an over/under set at 6.5 goals. This game marks the second meeting between these teams this season, with the Maple Leafs having won the previous encounter 3-2, thanks to a standout performance from Max Pacioretty, who scored two goals.
For the Ducks, Mason McTavish has been a key player this season, tallying 20 goals and 25 assists. Leo Carlsson is also making waves, having recently achieved his first four-point game, contributing significantly to the Ducks' offense. The Ducks have proven to be a formidable opponent when they score at least three goals, boasting a record of 28-3-4 in such scenarios.
On the other side, the Maple Leafs are led by the dynamic duo of Mitchell Marner and John Tavares. Marner has accumulated 22 goals and an impressive 68 assists, while Tavares is on the hunt for a goal in six consecutive games, a feat that would mark a career high for the star center. The Leafs have demonstrated their scoring prowess as well, with a record of 41-3-2 when they score three or more goals in a game.
Recent performances indicate that the Ducks have been averaging 3.4 goals per game over their last ten outings, while allowing 3.3 goals against. They have maintained a record of 5-4-1 during this stretch, showing flashes of offensive brilliance. In contrast, the Maple Leafs have averaged 3.6 goals and allowed only 2.7 goals per game, with a solid 6-3-1 record in their last ten games.
In terms of injuries, both teams are fortunate to have no significant players listed, which means they can field their best lineups for this crucial matchup. Joseph Woll is expected to start in goal for the Maple Leafs, aiming for his 25th win of the season. Woll will need to shake off his last outing against the Sharks, where he struggled to find his rhythm.
The Ducks, under the guidance of general manager Pat Verbeek, are seeking to break a streak of playoff misses, with this season marking their sixth consecutive year outside the postseason picture. Verbeek commented on the team's trajectory, stating, "I think coming into this year, they knew what the expectations were. It was a different mindset. We’ve tweaked a little bit, some of our system things, and they slowly got used to playing with each other, understanding how to play. If our special teams were better on both sides, this team would be in the playoffs." This reflects the urgency and determination within the Ducks' locker room as they strive to finish the season strong.
The Maple Leafs are looking to capitalize on their strong start to the season, and their performance in California will be critical as they gear up for the playoffs. With their powerful offense and solid defense, they are poised to continue their success against the Ducks. The Leafs are 3-0-1 in their last four games of a back-to-back against non-playoff teams, a statistic that underscores their ability to perform under pressure.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on John Tavares, who is aiming to extend his scoring streak. His ability to find the back of the net has been a significant factor in the Maple Leafs' success this season. Fans will also be watching the performance of Woll in net, as he looks to solidify his position as a reliable goaltender heading into the final stretch of the season.
With both teams having something to prove, this matchup promises to be an exciting clash of talent and strategy. The Ducks will be eager to showcase their skills and fight for pride in the closing days of the season, while the Maple Leafs aim to secure their playoff positioning and build momentum.
As the puck drops in Anaheim, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between these two teams. Will the Maple Leafs continue their winning ways, or will the Ducks rise to the occasion and pull off an upset? Fans are in for a treat as the action unfolds on the ice.
