Columbus Blue Jackets (34-31-9) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (46-25-4)
April 5, 2025 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Toronto Maple Leafs -205 / Columbus Blue Jackets 170; Over/Under: 6.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets Prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, April 5th at the Scotiabank Arena. Let’s take a look at Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets picks.
What a Bad Game for the Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets’ last game was awful, and there must be some major concerns about the goaltending. Two games ago, they won 8-4 against the Nashville Predators, but in the last game against the Colorado Avalanche, they lost 7-3. The Blue Jackets gave up at least two goals in each of the three periods. Elvis Merzilkins was in goal, and he saved 21 of the 28 shots that he faced.
The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.23 goals, while their defense is giving up 2.93 goals per game. The offense is ranked 9th in the league, while the defense is ranked 16th. Kevin Labanc is dealing with a shoulder injury, and he’s out for the season. Elvis Merzlikins comes into this game with a 25-20-5, and he’s giving up 3.20 goals per game. The Blue Jackets have won three of his last four starts, but the goaltending has actually been a problem in each of the games.
Maple Leafs Are Heating up
The Maple Leafs are heating up heading into this game, and they have won three games in a row. Two games ago against the Anaheim Ducks, the Maple Leafs secured the 3-2 victory and in the last game against the Florida Panthers they picked up the 3-2 victory. Matthew Knies and Mitchell Marner both scored a goal to help pace the team. Anthony Stolarz saved 29 of the 31 shots that he faced.
The Maple Leafs are averaging 3.25 goals per game, while their defense is giving up 2.92 goals per game. The offense is ranked 9th in the league, while the defense is ranked 16th. Mitchell Marner scored 24 goals and added 69 assists. Joseph Woll is expected to get the start for the Maple Leafs. He comes into this game with a 25-13-1 record, and he’s giving up 2.78 goals per game. He has only one shutout on the season.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets Prediction
This game is going to be a shootout, and I don’t mean the thing at the end of the game, I mean there will be very little goaltending by either team here. Merzlikins has been a major problem heading into this game, even though he has been winning games, and that will end up being the difference here. The Maple Leafs are averaging 3.25 goals, and they will score four or five here. The Blue Jackets will also find success with their offense and this game is going to be a shootout. Back the over.
