Devils vs. Maple Leafs Recap: Meier Scores Twice in 4-0 Shutout

The New Jersey Devils shut out the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 on Sunday night. After a scoreless 1st, Timo Meier scored twice in the 2nd: a snap shot at 8:28 and a tip-in at 12:44. Nico Hischier added a power-play goal at 9:49 of the 3rd, and Connor Brown sealed it with an empty-netter at 17:23. Connor Hellebuyck stopped all 23 shots he faced, and New Jersey outshot Toronto 29-23. Two DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Devils ML (-154 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: New Jersey came in having won 8 of its last 10, while Toronto had won 5 of its last 10. The Devils were the favorite at -154, about 61% implied. That was a read on recent form, not a prediction. - What happened: The Devils won 4-0 and never trailed. Meier's goal at 8:28 of the 2nd turned out to be the winner, and Hellebuyck made sure Toronto never got on the board. - Worth watching: At this kind of price the side has to win about 61% of the time to break even, so the form gap has to be real. The implied probability is the bar to clear before backing a road favorite again.

Devils over 2.5 team goals (-240 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Over the last 15 games the Devils scored 3.9 a night, and the Maple Leafs allowed 3.5. Our projection had New Jersey at 3.7 against a 2.5 line. - What happened: New Jersey scored 4, clearing the line by 1.5. Hischier's power-play snap shot at 9:49 of the 3rd was the goal that cashed it, and Brown's empty-netter added a cushion. - Worth watching: The Devils' scoring ran through Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, who both assisted on the second and third goals. As long as that pair is driving play, New Jersey team totals in the 2.5 range stay on our radar, though the price was steep.

How the game played out

The 1st ended 0-0. New Jersey broke it open in the 2nd with two even-strength goals 4:16 apart, both from Meier. Toronto threw 28 hits to New Jersey's 13 but never drew a power play, while the Devils scored once on three chances with the man advantage. Anthony Stolarz made 25 saves on 28 shots for Toronto.

Trends to watch

• Hughes and Bratt each picked up two assists, and both came on the Devils' second and third goals, one at even strength and one on the power play.
• Toronto had zero power-play opportunities in this one. A team that cannot draw penalties has a harder time climbing out of a two-goal hole.
• Hellebuyck faced 23 shots and saw no goals. Low shot volume against him is worth tracking for future saves lines.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. Find more on the NHL hub, read every NHL recap, or brush up on the moneyline.