NHL Matchup - January 5, 2008

Philadelphia Flyers at Toronto Maple Leafs

The Philadelphia Flyers will be looking for their first win at the Air Canada Centre in more than two years when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night.

Toronto has been dominant over the past 10 meetings between the teams, going 7-2-0-1 SU in that span. Philadelphia hasn’t won in Toronto since Oct. 22, 2005, when it picked up a 5-2 victory. The Flyers are 2-5 SU in the past seven meetings in Toronto. This is the second clash of the season; the Flyers beat the Maple Leafs 4-1 in Philadelphia on Dec. 27.

The Flyers (19-14-1-3 SU) had won three straight heading into Friday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils. Philadelphia beat the Florida Panthers 1-0 as a +125 underdog Wednesday night. The Maple Leafs (16-17-5-3 SU) have lost four of their past five, including a 6-2 road loss Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Philadelphia is 11-9-0-0 SU on the road, while Toronto is 8-7-2-3 SU at home.

The Flyers are 4-9 SU in their past 13 games playing on 0 days rest.

The Maple Leafs have been trending “over” in recent games: The Over is 4-1 in their past five overall, 4-1 in their past five against Atlantic division teams, and 14-5-2 in their past 21 home games.

The Flyers are scheduled to start Antero Niittymaki in goal against Toronto after giving Martin Biron the start against New Jersey on Friday. There was no word on who Toronto would have in net.

Betting Line: Toronto is a 125-moneyline favorite at BetCRIS. The over/under is 6.