We're in for a cross-conference clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Dallas Stars.
The Leafs are in a serious rut, but Jake McCabe has been a steady shot-blocking machine all season, and my Maple Leafs vs. Stars predictions anticipate another busy night for him in front of the goalie.
Find out why with my free NHL picks for December 21.
Maple Leafs vs Stars prediction
Maple Leafs vs Stars best bet: Jake McCabe Over 2.5 blocks (+125)
Until the Toronto Maple Leafs figure out how to get the puck out of the zone, Jake McCabe's shot blocking market remains one of my favorite bets on the board.
He’s cleared tonight's total in back-to-back games and in nine of his last 12 outings — averaging 3.0 blocks per game in that stretch.
Fearlessness is a key reason for this, but so is the Leafs’ inability to get the puck out of their own zone. Toronto ranks 31st in defensive zone time, and McCabe leads all Leafs blue liners in defensive zone starts and blocked shots (89).
The Buds also rank 25th in shot attempts allowed, which obviously creates more block opportunities for the team's top defender.
As for the Dallas Stars, they’ll be well rested after getting the night off on Saturday after winning three straight against the California teams, where they averaged 5.6 goals and 27 shots per game over that stretch.
I expect them to take advantage of a tired and reeling Leafs team that is having a hard time exiting its defensive zone, and I anticipate McCabe getting the tough minutes in his own end.
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Maple Leafs vs Stars same-game parlay
Morgan Rielly has gone Over his 1.5 shot total in four straight and in 13 of his last 16 games, averaging 2.33 shots per game over that stretch.
Auston Matthews is -6 over his last two games, so a bounce back is needed, and perhaps a matchup against a team he’s had a lot of success against will help turn his game around. Matthews has recorded at least one point in 12 straight meetings against Dallas.
Maple Leafs vs Stars SGP
- Jake McCabe Over 2.5 blocks
- Morgan Rielly Over 1.5 shots
- Auston Matthews Over 0.5 points
Maple Leafs vs Stars odds
- Moneyline: Maple Leafs +170 | Stars -210
- Puck Line: Maple Leafs +1.5 (-140) | Stars -1.5 (+120)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-140) | Under 5.5 (+120)
Maple Leafs vs Stars trend
The Maple Leafs are 8-2 in the last 10 games between the two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Stars.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Stars
| Location | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| Date | Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet |
Maple Leafs vs Stars 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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