We’ve got eight games on the NHL slate tonight, including a matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets.
These two teams are going in opposite directions in the standings, and it should lead to a big Leafs victory.
The NHL odds favor Toronto in this spot as the Blue Jackets are one of the NHL’s worst teams, but Toronto has a history of let-down games against teams under .500. However, I think they shed that narrative tonight and win big against Columbus.
Find out why in my free NHL picks for Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs on Thursday, December 14.
Blue Jackets vs Maple Leafs odds
Blue Jackets vs Maple Leafs predictions
This matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets can go one of two ways. On one hand, it should be an easy two points for Toronto, where they take care of business and dispose of one of the worst teams in the league by a large margin.
Or…
It could be a sweat, as it has all the makings of a ‘trap game.’ The Leafs often play down to their opponent and struggle with sub-.500 teams, and they are playing their fifth game in eight nights. Meanwhile, the Jackets are fresh, having been off since Sunday. Additionally, Toronto is coming back home after a fun dad’s trip in New York, where the team just walloped the Rangers 7-3. What did the fellas get up to Tuesday night with an off-day ahead on Wednesday?
I prefer to be optimistic today and think we see the former happen with the Leafs prevailing with another multi-goal victory.
The Leafs aren’t the team that lost to the lowly Blackhawks a month ago. This team is starting to round into form and look closer to that Stanley Cup contender we all thought they’d be at the beginning of the year.
Over Toronto’s last five games, the team generated offense at the sixth-highest rate in the NHL, averaging a shade over four goals a night to go along with the second most high-danger chances per game.
Leading the way for Toronto is Auston Matthews, who has seven goals in his last five games, and that type of production should lead to more offensive success against this Blue Jackets team that’s struggling to defend and keep pucks out of the net.
The Blue Jackets are having a tough season, especially on the road, where they have a league-worst 2-8-3 record. They’re giving up an average of 3.85 goals per game (29th) while allowing the 10th most scoring chances (31.14/60). That should have Toronto salivating, as they rank eighth in the NHL in scoring this season.
As for the Blue Jackets offense, I don’t expect to see much of it. They average just 2.77 goals on the road, with just an 11% success rate on the power play. Plus, the team will be without its top-line center and leading goal scorer, Boone Jenner, who’s out with an injury.
Ultimately, the Leafs are a much better squad that shouldn’t have much trouble putting the puck into the back of the net while controlling play and limiting the Blue Jackets. I like the Leafs to win and win big tonight.
My best bet: Leafs -1.5 (-110 at SIA)
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Blue Jackets vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay
Leafs -1.5
Leafs team total Over 3.5
Auston Matthews anytime goal
For tonight's same-game parlay, we are building off our best bet with two straight-forward legs.
First, let’s take the Leafs team total Over 3.5 goals. Toronto has averaged 4.12 goals per game over their last five games and has scored 4+ in four of their last six games. Columbus has allowed 4+ in three of its last four while averaging 3.92 goals against on the road. It could be point-night for the Maple Leafs.
A beneficiary of a possible point night would be Auston Matthews. For my final leg, let’s roll with an anytime goal from Matthews. He’s been on fire lately, with seven goals in his last five games. He’s also torched the Jacket throughout his career with a goal in six straight meetings against Columbus. I like for him to make it seven straight tonight.
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Blue Jackets vs Maple Leafs moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs are large favorites tonight at -275 odds, with the Blue Jackets entering as massive +220 road dogs. Barring a Vezina performance from the Blue Jackets or the Leafs puking on themselves, Toronto should win this game. Perhaps look for better value in a Leafs win in regulation with a 3-way result paying -165 instead.
The total for tonight’s game is set at 6.5 goals. The Over is favored at -135 odds, with the Under paying +110. The Leafs just covered this number by themselves in their last win against New York. I think it’s possible they could muster up another big performance and net 5+ goals. So can the Blue Jackets score two tonight? I think they can, especially against what could be a tired Leafs team playing its fifth game in eight days. I think it’s also possible we see the total climb to 7.0 goals based on the amount of money coming in on the Over.
Blue Jackets vs Maple Leafs betting trend to know
The Over is 6-4 in the Leafs last 10 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs.
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Blue Jackets vs Maple Leafs game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Thursday, December 14, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: |
Sportsnet |
Blue Jackets vs Maple Leafs latest injuries
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