The Leafs Offence is Primed to Explode Against the Sharks

The Leafs have picked up five of eight possible points to start the season...that’s good, but not good enough.

Through four games, the Leafs have put up over 40 shots twice...but only had three goals in those two contests combined...and that perfectly encapsulates Toronto’s offence so far, especially when you’re talking about the stars up front -- a ton of chances, but not much to show for it.

The Buds have the highest expected goals for in the league and they’re averaging the sixth most shots on net. But their two goals per game average is tied for the third lowest in the league.

To be fair, they’ve run into some ridiculously good goaltending performances by the likes of Anton Forsberg and Igor Shesterkin...but you have to believe that the Leafs are primed to explode offensively...especially with Auston Matthews back in the lineup...and I figure Friday night against the San Jose Sharks is the perfect night for that to happen.

I mean, c’mon...you can’t seriously expect to see zeroes in the goal column next to Mitch Marner, John Tavaress and Matthews for too much longer...right?

The Sharks are undefeated to start the season, but they’re in the middle of a five game East coast road trip...and they visit Toronto on the second night of a back-to-back after a stop in Ottawa...and for whatever reason, the puck drops an hour earlier at 6pm on Friday night.

Because of that, I’d expect San Jose to look good earlier on...considering the Leafs have had three days off between games...but late in the game, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sharks hit a wall and ran out of gas...and that’s as good a time as any for the Leafs to pounce.

And Toronto really needs to capitalize on their opportunities…these are the kind of games you just have to win...because they play again the next night in Pittsburgh, to kick off their first little road trip to the States since March of 2020!

And nobody should be surprised if the Penguins win outright...or at the very least cover...simply because of the quick turnaround for the Leafs..

But let’s stay focused on Friday night against the Sharks…

Here are my picks:

Picks

• Take the Leafs to cover the -1.5 puckline
• Or for an even better payout...parlay a Leafs win with under 6.5 total goals

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