Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction: Slumping Leafs Seek Spark in Columbus
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction: Slumping Leafs Seek Spark in Columbus
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter this game having lost four of their last six games, including a disappointing 5-2 loss in Montreal last night to the Canadiens. Toronto currently holds the 3rd spot in the Atlantic Division with a record of 32-14-3 for 67 points.
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Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
The Leafs are averaging 3.55 goals per game this season and their power play is a league clicking at a league-best 31.1 clip. Toronto has scored 115 five on five goals this season, seventh-best in the NHL, and they have generated 512 high danger scoring chances, fourth-best in the league. The Blue Jackets are fighting for their playoff lives as they currently are 11 points out of the last Wild Card spot in the East, the time is now for them. They are coming off a 7-3 home win vs Buffalo on Sunday.
The Jackets have been scoring goals lately, but they have also been letting them up, as they have allowed 13 goals over their last three games. The Jackets are allowing 3.65 goals per game, which is 2nd most in the league. They are also allowing a league high 35.2 shots on goal per game.
Their penalty kill is in the top half of the league at 80%, but five on five tells the story in the matchup. The Jackets have given up 135 goals five on five, which is the most in the league, and have given up 504 high danger scoring chances, 3rd most in the league. This does not pose a great matchup for the Jackets. On the road this season the Leafs are averaging 3.60 goals per game and their power play is a league-best 27.9%. Toronto also generates the second-most shots per game on the road at 34.9. The Jackets are allowing 3.46 goals per game at home and a league-high 34.8 shots against per game.
Toronto has only scored four goals in two of seven back-to-backs this season, but I don't put too much weight into that tonight, given this matchup. These teams met earlier in the season in Toronto, which resulted in a 5-4 Maple Leafs win. I am expecting the same kind of result tonight in Columbus and the Leaf's offense should prove to be too much for this Columbus defense to handle.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Line Movement
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Pick
- Toronto Team Total Over 3.5 -130 (Bet $130 to win $100)
Article Author
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tone has been handicapping the four major sports for over twenty years. An NHL enthusiast, Tone’s expertise lies on the ice. He’s excelled and profited finding the right angles on NHL games, particularly with player props, game props, and game totals. A contributor to several gaming sites, you can follow him on Twitter @TonesTakes.