DiStefano’s prediction: Matthews outshines Marner in grudge match.
Jan 15, 2026 • 13:30 ET
• 3 min read
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) battle for the puck.
Tonight marks the first time Mitch Marner faces off against his former club as the Maple Leafs visit the Golden Knights. But it’s his previous linemate, Auston Matthews, that I expect to find the scoresheet in this one.
Find out more with my free Maple Leafs vs. Golden Knights predictions and NHL picks for Thursday, January 15.
Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights prediction
Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights best bet: Auston Matthews anytime goal (+130)
Auston Matthews has eight goals in his last nine games, in addition to a few iron rings preventing him from a few more. At +130 odds, I’m taking that value and betting on Matthews to score again.
Since returning from the Christmas break, the Toronto Maple Leafs captain ranks first league-wide in both scoring chances and individual high-danger chances, while logging the second-most individual expected goals in the league.
Matthews also has had a lot of success against the Vegas Golden Knights in his career with 10 goals in 12 games, including one in their last meeting on March 5. He’s averaged 4.4 shots per game with an 18.9 shooting percentage against the Golden Knights.
If he keeps up this pace, I like his chances to score, especially with Carl Lindbom as Vegas’ projected starter. The rookie goaltender is 2-4-2 with a 2.99 GAA and an .873 SV%, allowing 3+ goals in six of his eight starts.
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Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights same-game parlay
Max Domi seems to have solidified himself on Matthews’ wing lately. He’s got eight points, six being assists, in his last 11 outings saddled up next to AM34.
Jake McCabe‘s shot-blocking prowess is second to none on the Leafs. He had six blocks in Utah and four the night before in Colorado. Overall, he’s averaging 2.75 blocks per game across his last 20 contests.
Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights SGP
Auston Matthews anytime goal
Max Domi Over 0.5 points
Jake McCabe Over 2.5 blocked shots
Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights odds
Moneyline: Maple Leafs +115 | Golden Knights -140
Puck Line: Maple Leafs +1.5 | Golden Knights -1.5
Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights trend
The Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings between these two clubs. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Golden Knights.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights
Location
T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV
Date
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Puck drop
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Maple Leafs vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Mike DiStefano joins Covers after a successful five-year stint with TSN. Distefano hosted Leafs Lunch, a Toronto Maple Leafs-centric radio show which featured a daily best bets segment where he found the biggest and best value plays of the night. He was also a weekly staple on TSN’s flagship radio/tv show “OverDrive” as a betting analyst during their NFL picks segment #TeamAl-DogForever.
A graduate of Centennial College’s Sports Journalism program, Mike has also contributed to the Canadian Baseball Network, FanSided, and The Hockey News.
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