NHL Predictions: December 13th Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs

As the Toronto Maple Leafs get ready to face the Edmonton Oilers, this matchup brings two skilled but inconsistent teams looking to build real momentum. Toronto has shown stretches of strong, structured hockey but still struggles with lapses that cost them points, while Edmonton remains dangerous thanks to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, even if defensive issues continue to hold them back. With both teams fighting to climb the standings, this game at Scotiabank Arena feels like a key early-season test of pace, discipline, and special teams. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey. Today, it’s the Oilers and Leafs who are you taking in this one?

NHL Predictions: Leafs vs Oilers and What to Watch

2025-26 Head-to-Head: Leafs 0-0 Oilers

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch: CBC, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet West

Friday was a day of big shakeups, and that included the Edmonton Oilers. Quinn Hughes changing places, might be a shift of the balance of power, if Minnesota can take advantage. Meanwhile, in Edmonton swapping goalies with Pittsburgh is a big deal. How will Tristan Jarry like his new home?

Oilers’ Snapshot Balanced Offence, Defensive Questions

Edmonton enters this matchup as a team with potent offensive firepower but mixed results on the other side of the puck. Connor McDavid continues to carry this group he’s been dynamic and consistently involved in Edmonton’s scoring while Leon Draisaitl has also been a major threat in high-danger areas. Recent performances show McDavid in particularly strong form, extending point streaks and producing at a high rate.

The Oilers average more than 3.3 goals per game, putting them among the better scoring teams in the league, but they’ve allowed a similar number in goals against, pointing to defensive lapses that can undermine their success.

Edmonton’s road form has been solid and they’re on a bit of a positive stretch, riding momentum from a recent win over Detroit where Zach Hyman scored a hat trick and McDavid notched four assists a sign of how dangerous they can be when firing on all cylinders.

Key for the Oilers will be settling the neutral zone and staying disciplined, as turnovers against a skilled Leafs lineup can quickly turn into odd-man rushes against them.

Maple Leafs’ Case Staying in the Mix, Finding Consistency

Toronto’s 2025–26 season has had its peaks and valleys; they sit with a solid record and remain competitive in the tight Atlantic Division and wild-card race.

Offensively, the Leafs also put up north of 3.3 goals per game, with stars like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander consistently creating scoring opportunities. Special teams play has been a strength Toronto’s power play clicks at a high rate relative to league peers, while their penalty kill is also competent.

Toronto’s net has seen mixed moments, including a recent standout performance from rookie goaltender Dennis Hildeby, who earned his first career NHL shutout. However, defensive consistency remains crucial; Toronto has allowed goals in areas they’d like to tighten up, particularly against elite transition teams like Edmonton.