Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Minnesota Wild
Free Pick: Minnesota Wild (+125 NHL odds)
Tue November 10th 2009 7:05p
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We cashed a nice ticket on the Toronto Maple Leafs when they upset the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, marking the seventh straight game where they picked up at least one point, but now the pendulum has swung and they appear to be overvalued tonight vs. the Minnesota Wild.

Yes, the Leafs have been a different team since undrafted rookie goalie Jonas Gustavsson took over in net for the terrible Vesa Toskala, and he has indeed done well with a 2.60 GAA and a .918 save percentage in eight starts.

It should also be noted though that the Toronto offense has come alive in front of him, scoring three goals of more in five of the seven games during their point-streak. Thus, Gustavsson has not really been in many pressure situations where he has been called on to win a game for the Leafs.

However, he may be forced to do so tonight as the Wild have allowed two goals or less in three of their last four games, and probable Minnesota starting goalie Niklas Backstrom has comparable numbers to Gustavsson with his 2.63 GAA and .909 save percentage. The last time the Wild played on the road, Backstrom was terrific in a 2-1 upset win over the Stanly Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, stopping 34 of 35 shots.

As improved as the Leafs play has been of late, we do not trust them as a decided favorite here vs. a hot goaltender.

NHL Free Pick: Wild +125

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