The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Calgary Flames in a cross-conference Canadian match-up. Welcome back to NHL Predictions with The Last Word On Sports. Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s addition, we examine the struggling Calgary Flames and the Maple Leafs, who are still trying to find their footing in this early 2025-26 season as they look to close out October on a positive note.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Calgary Flames
Head to Head: Leafs 0-0 Flames
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN 4, Sportsnet+, ESPN, Sportsnet West
Toronto sits at 4-4-1 this season, averaging 3.44 goals per game but allowing 3.67 (28th in the NHL in GAA). Calgary enters at 2-7-1, with one of the weakest offensive outputs in the league this season and a road record that further tilts the edge in favour of Toronto.
Why the Leafs Should Have the Edge
Home Ice + Historical Dominance
The Maple Leafs are 5-1 in their last six outings at home against the Flames, while Calgary is 0-6 in its last six head-to-heads.
Offensive Upside
With Toronto’s offence generating over 3.4 goals per game, they’ll test the Flames’ shaky defence early. Calgary’s recent offensive struggles (just 21 goals over seven games) leave them vulnerable.
Trend Toward Offence
The last six meetings between these teams have seen the total goals go over 5.5 in five of them. As a result, we expect a high-scoring affair.
Potential Hurdles & Flames’ Variables
Toronto’s Defensive Lapses
Allowing 3.67 goals per game puts pressure on their goaltending and defence to stay sharp. Calgary’s best chance is to capitalize on turnovers or slow the pace.
Flames are Desperate
Calgary is trying to find results and could play with more urgency and less structure, which may generate chaos, and chances.
Leafs’ Injury Watch
Toronto has some players listed as day-to-day (e.g., William Nylander) and the impact of fresh legs vs. tired legs will matter. Chris Tanev will also be sidelined from the game due to a upper-body injury.
Prediction & Key Bets
Final Score Prediction: Maple Leafs Win 5-3
Toronto gets on the board early, dominates possession and leverages home ice. Calgary hangs around but can’t keep pace.
Best Betting Angles:
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Total Goals: Over 6.5 goals both teams show offensive ability and prior trend lines suggest a high-scoring affair.
Why This Game Matters
For Toronto, a win here helps steady the ship after a shaky 4-4-1 start. It reinforces home-ice dominance and helps build momentum in a deep Atlantic Division. For Calgary, an upset would signal they’re real, but failure to keep pace again raises questions about their ability to contend. Remember, Calgary was in playoff contention until the final days of the season last year. They are determined to prove that last season was not a fluke and that they are a playoff contender. A win on the road can go a long way in achieving that.
Toronto’s ability to execute against a lesser team right now could be the difference between fighting for a playoff spot and watching from the sidelines. Fans of the Maple Leafs certainly do not need another reason to feel down come playoff time.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: October 28th Calgary Flames at Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.