While checking out the Super Bowl XLIV odds, you may have heard about a busy trade weekend in the NHL revolving around Toronto, who is desperately to improve their woeful defense. The new Toronto Maple Leafs will make their debut in front of the home crowd on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.

Devils vs Maple Leafs odds – Tuesday, February 2, 7:00 PM ET

The Devils have dropped three of their last four, but that lone win came against the Maple Leafs at home on Friday in overtime. When it comes to defense, Toronto can learn a lot from New Jersey, who have long been one of the best teams in the league on that end of the ice. However, they’ve also had Martin Brodeur, and the 37-year-old is having another spectacular season as he prepares to be the No.1 goalie for Team Canada at the Olympics. However, he’s started all 15 games this month and he can’t do it on his own. The Devils are 7-7-1 this month, and in their seven losses, the Devils have scored more than two goals just once.

The Leafs were busy this weekend, picking up Dion Phaneuf from Calgary, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere from Anaheim, while unloading a few players over 30 years of age. Toronto has allowed the most goals in the league, and they’re banking on Phaneuf to find the form that made him a star two years ago. Most of the Leafs’ payroll is now wrapped up in their blueline, so results need to be seen soon. Giguere will be looked at as a mentor to Jonas Gustavsson, but he also has to be a better No.2 goalie than Vesa Toskala, who struggled under the bright lights of the Toronto media.

You’d probably get better odds at your internet super casino than you would for a Leafs win on Tuesday, as the Devils have won four of their last six trips to Toronto. It’ll probably take a couple of games for Phaneuf to get used to the Toronto system, if there is even a system, and he also helps out on the power play. But Toronto also struggles to light the lamp, and you can’t do that against the Devils, because if Brodeur is on his game, and he often is, New Jersey doesn’t need many goals.

Bet hockey: New Jersey

Grab discounted NHL jerseys and swag on Amazon.com by clicking here.

Check out NHL Greatest Moments on DVD by clicking here.

Order the NHL 10 video game by clicking here.

Florida Alabama odds probably seem more tempting – after all, those teams are actually good – but the NHL gets our attention whenever the storied Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens meet. As bad as both these teams may be, they always battle harder than normal against each other, treating us to an epic game. Each of their meetings went to overtime so far this season with Montreal winning both, but the Leafs’ time for vengeance may be upon us.

Could Toronto’s online sportsbook odds be trending upward? After starting 0-7-1 the Leafs have gone 6-4-7 – not a great number but one reflecting a relatively competitive team. Phil Kessel has been a major help since joining the team, creating offense off the rush and sniping goals left and right with his lightning-quick release. Niklas Hagman has been absolutely on fire; he’s up to 13 goals and just earned the NHL’s third star of the week after sniping five goals in three games. Toronto’s defense is solidifying – Francois Beauchemin has really settled down – and should welcome Mike Komisarek back from his torn quad for Tuesday’s game..

The Habs have had some bright spots this year, as Carey Price has played well in spurts and Tomas Plekanec has rediscovered his scoring touch, but plenty has gone wrong as well. Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta are hurt and no one is chipping in any semblance of offense besides Mike Cammalleri. The days of Montreal’s deadly power play are long gone as the Habs lack a boomer on the point. Like the Browns in NFL betting, they need a quarterback; Andrei Markov remains on injured reserve.

After their worst start in franchise history, it’s almost like the pressure is off for the Leafs now. They’ve been forgotten and have quietly started stringing wins together. They still need more on offense from guys like Mikhail Grabovski but a game against his hated former team may be just the spark he needs. Bet on the Leafs to get the monkey off their back and steal one from the Habs on the road.

Hockey odds pick: Maple Leafs

Grab discounted NHL jerseys and swag on Amazon.com by clicking here.

Check out NHL Greatest Moments on DVD by clicking here.

Order the NHL 10 video game by clicking here.