The Toronto Maple Leafs return home to face the Carolina Hurricanes in a pivotal Eastern Conference clash. Welcome back to NHL Predictions with The Last Word On Hockey. Today, we dive into Toronto’s hot streak and Carolina’s red-hot start, breaking down momentum, matchups and what to expect as November heats up.
NHL Predictions
2025-26 Head-to-Head: Leafs 0-0 Hurricanes
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: ESPN, ESPN+, TSN 4
Why the Leafs Should Be Favoured
Home-Ice Advantage + Momentum
Toronto has surged lately after finding rhythm in key games, and at Scotiabank Arena, they’ll be looking to build on that. Recent betting trends also favour the Leafs at home when they’re favourites. We are tending to think those types of things will continue.
Offensive Upside Exploding
The Maple Leafs’ forwards are clicking. William Nylander and Matthew Knies have contributed widely. Moreover, Auston Matthews is heating up, and as a team, Toronto’s pace of play is trending upward. Carolina’s high-end defence is strong, but even they bend under sustained pressure, similar to what the Leafs possess.
Trend Towards Goals
Both sides bring offence. The Hurricanes have regularly had high shot volumes and good scoring chances. The Leafs have leaned into transition and pace, meaning this game’s likely to tilt toward the over rather than a low-scoring grind.
Potential Red Flags & Hurricanes’ Variables
Toronto’s Defensive Vulnerabilities
The Leafs allow close to 3.6 goals per game, this leaves windows open and demands strong goaltending. Should Carolina generate early momentum, that could flip the game.
Carolina’s Aggressive Style
The Hurricanes like to push the pace, force turnovers and create chaos. If they get out-skating Toronto, they’ll pose scoreboard pressure.
Injury and Depth Matters
If Toronto’s depth or defensive pairings are exposed (fresh legs, minor injuries), Carolina could exploit that. The Leafs need their full 60-minute effort.
Prediction & Betting Angles
We think that Toronto strikes early at home in this one. Then, Carolina responds, but ultimately the Leafs’ depth and pace edge it out.
Final Score Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-4
Best Betting Angles:
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Moneyline: Toronto Maple Leafs win
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Total Goals: Over 6.5 goals, both teams have shown offensive fermentation and will push the pace.
- Anytime Goal Scorers: We like Knies for the Leafs, as he’s been hot of late. Meanwhile, for Carolina, Seth Jarvis paces the club with nine. Look for him to have a big game against Toronto. From an individual standpoint, having a big start to 2025-26 will build his case for inclusion on the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Team Canada.
Why This Game Matters
For Toronto, this is a chance to cement momentum and send a message in a deep Atlantic Division. A win here builds belief. For Carolina, a road win in Toronto would reinforce their contender status and show they’re dangerous away from home.
If Toronto executes, shifts momentum in their favour and leans into their strength right now, it could tilt the balance for their season.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: November 9th Carolina Hurricanes vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.