The Toronto Maple Leafs have seemed to turn the tide and have one back-to-back key game against a strong Pittsburgh team, 7-2, and a win against the struggling Florida Panthers, 4-1. The Carolina Hurricanes have won back-to-back games, a tight 1-0 victory over the Flames and a blowout 5-1 win over the Jets. Welcome back to NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey, where tonight’s matchup sets the stage for a battle between two teams trying to reassert themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
NHL Predictions
2025-26 Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-0 Leafs
Time: 7:00 Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: Sportsnet Ontario, ESPN, FUBO, FDSNSO
The Maple Leafs Trending
Both teams enter this matchup trending in the right direction, but for very different reasons. Toronto’s recent surge has been driven by a renewed commitment to structure under head coach Craig Berube, especially on their own end. After weeks of inconsistency, the Maple Leafs finally look like a team beginning to understand the identity Berube has been preaching. That identity representing fast, physical, detail-oriented hockey. Their 7–2 win over Pittsburgh showcased their offensive ceiling, but the 4–1 victory against the Panthers was far more telling. Toronto played patient, disciplined, playoff-style hockey, limiting high-danger chances, controlling the neutral zone, and capitalizing on key opportunities.
Auston Matthews appears to be rediscovering his rhythm after battling through early-season inconsistency, while William Nylander and John Tavares continue to drive the offence with steady, reliable production. One of the biggest storylines, however, has been the emergence of Easton Cowan, whose tenacity and speed have given Toronto’s middle six a much-needed spark. Joseph Woll’s performance in net has also been crucial, giving Toronto stability at a time when they desperately needed it.
The Hurricanes Rolling
Carolina, meanwhile, comes into the matchup having rediscovered their defensive identity. Their 1–0 shutout of the Flames highlighted just how suffocating the Hurricanes can be when they’re structurally sound. The follow-up performance—a 5–1 dismantling of the Winnipeg Jets—showed that their offence is coming alive as well. Sebastian Aho is heating up, Andrei Svechnikov looks healthy and explosive, and K’Andre Miller continues to anchor the blueline with his usual reliability.
Perhaps most importantly, Carolina has returned to the relentless forechecking style that has made them one of the league’s toughest teams to match up against. When the Hurricanes are cycling pucks down low and forcing turnovers, they can dictate pace against almost any opponent.
Prediction & Key Bets
Final Score Prediction: 5-3 Hurricanes
Tuesday’s game presents an interesting stylistic clash. Toronto thrives when the game is open and offensive creativity can shine, while Carolina excels in shutting down lanes and turning games into grinding, possession-heavy battles. Special teams will likely play a major role as well. The Hurricanes’ penalty kill remains one of the strongest in the league, while the Maple Leafs’ power play, though inconsistent this season, still features some of the most lethal scorers in the NHL.
Best Betting Angles:
Moneyline: Carolina Hurricanes win.
Total Goals: Over 6.0 goals, both teams have high skill, and they can both produce a lot of goals.
Player Prop: Auston Matthews anytime goal.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: December 4th Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.