Columbus Blue Jackets vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Picks

Toronto started 8-5-1 but has been in a slump. It's been a snakebitten 1-4 run, losing three times in overtime. They're working on two days of rest, which is needed with captain Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies missing the last game but close to returning. The offense is sixth in the NHL in goals per game (3.66) and fourth in shooting percentage. Columbus is 24th in goals scored, 23rd on the power play, and 29th in shooting percentage, while the defense is 29th in penalty killing and 25th in goals allowed. Toronto is 2-3 in the last five meetings against Columbus, but all three losses were by one goal. Auston Matthews is expected back in the lineup tonight, and he should provide a much-needed spark. Play Toronto on the puckline. 

Toronto will go for its second straight win after snapping a five-game skid with a 3-2 overtime victory over St. Louis on Tuesday. William Nylander scored at 4:06 of OT and Joseph Woll stopped 27 of 29 shots for the Maple Leafs. Woll is likely to start tonight with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage in two starts. Jet Greaves (6-4-2) is probable for Columbus, which has lost four of five road games and six of nine overall. The Blue Jackets have gone OVER five of seven overall and four of six against the Atlantic Division. The Maple Leafs have gone OVER nine of 10 home games and 13 of 15 overall. They have won 10 of 13 against the Metropolitan Division. Take the Maple Leafs on the puckline, and play the OVER.

Toronto plays just its third road game. They rank 12th in penalty kill, while the offense is 27th on the power play. The Columbus offense is 18th in goals per game (3.11), 20th on the power play, and 27th in shooting percentage. They have a winning record with a defense that is seventh in the NHL in save percentage (.911), backed by goalies Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins. Columbus is 6-3 UNDER the total this season, part of an 11-6 run UNDER. Take Toronto/Columbus UNDER the total. 

Columbus is on a 10-5 run ranked sixth in the NHL in scoring, 10th on the power play, and top-five shooting percentage at 5-on-5. Over the last 15 games, they've won as underdogs of +185, +130, +200, +130, +105, and +175. Their team motto is "Make the Playoffs for Johnny" after dealing with the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau last summer. His jersey hangs in a locker before every game, home and away, and players openly talk about him at the rink. Meanwhile, Toronto is on a 3-3 run, including losing 3-0 at home to Vancouver as -180 chalk. They're also 5-5 in their last 10 home contests losing as favorites of -135, -125, and -180. Play Columbus.