In this article, we will formulate a Columbus Blue Jackets vs Toronto Maple Leafs prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, October 22nd at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 2-3-0 this year after they lost to Minnesota by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Columbus trailed 1-0 after the first and 3-0 in the third, but they did score late in the third to avoid the shutout. The Blue Jackets were outshot by a total of 35-24, won 55.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Columbus got their lone goal from Chinakhov, while Tarasov stopped 32 out of 35 shots in the loss.
Prior to that loss, Columbus defeated Buffalo by a score of 6-4 and lost to Florida by a score of 4-3. Columbus has scored 3.60 goals per game and they have allowed 3.60 goals against per game, while also going 21.4% on the power play and 73.3% on the penalty kill this season. Yegor Chinakhov has led Columbus with three goals, four assists, and 17 shots on goal, while Daniil Tarasov is 2-1-0 with a 3.70 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage this year.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 4-2-0 this season after they defeated Tampa Bay by a score of 5-2 on Monday night. Toronto was tied at one after the first period, but they scored four goals in the second for the win. The Maple Leafs were outshot by a total of 34-29, won 37% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Toronto got goals from Knies, Matthews, Nylander (2), and Pacioretty, while Stolarz stopped 32 out of 34 shots in the win.
Prior to that win, the Maple Leafs lost to the Rangers by a score of 4-1 but did beat LA, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey before that. Toronto has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 2.20 goals against per game, while also going 12.5% on the power play and 85% on the penalty kill this season. Mitch Marner and Max Domi have led Toronto with five points each, while Joseph Woll may make his season debut in goal.
Why the Blue Jackets will beat the Maple Leafs
- The Blue Jackets have won each of their last four games as home underdogs following a loss.
- The Maple Leafs have lost six of their last eight games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games at Nationwide Arena following a loss.
- The Maple Leafs have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Blue Jackets.
- The Blue Jackets have won the first period in each of their last seven games at Nationwide Arena following a loss.
Why the Maple Leafs will beat the Blue Jackets
- The Blue Jackets have lost 11 of their last 12 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Maple Leafs have won four of their last five games.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 road games following a win.
- The favorites have won the first period in each of the Maple Leafs’ last nine games at Nationwide Arena.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Maple Leafs’ last nine games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 14 games following a loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last 13 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Yegor Chinakhov has scored a goal in three of the Blue Jackets’ last four games.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in seven of the Blue Jackets’ last eight home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- Auston Matthews has scored at least one goal in each of his last seven appearances against the Blue Jackets.
- Auston Matthews has recorded at least one point in 18 of his last 19 appearances with the Maple Leafs as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Mitch Marner has recorded at least one assist in each of the Maple Leafs’ last seven games at Nationwide Arena.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank T7th in the league for goals per game this season (3.60).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 26th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (73.33%).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank 5th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.17).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank T25th in the league in power play percentage this season (15.00%).
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction
Toronto comes into this game after picking up a nice win on Monday night, but they will be on a back-to-back here. The Maple Leafs have been one of the best defensive teams to start this season, but it does concern me that Woll is making his first start here. Columbus has alternated wins and losses over their last five games, but their defense is allowing over 3.50 goals per game. Take the over here.