It’s the final night before the NHL’s holiday break, and there are 14 games on the slate, including a rematch between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Toronto lost to Columbus a week ago and then got embarrassed by Buffalo on Thursday. The NHL odds suggest they’re due for a bounce back, and it could be Auston Matthews leading the way.
Find out why in my free NHL picks for this December 23 matchup.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets odds
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets predictions
There are certain teams that individual players just seem to torch every time they play them. The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of those teams for Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews.
Matthews has scored in seven straight meetings against Columbus, totaling nine goals in that span, including a two-goal performance last week in Toronto.
I would expect him to have a similar type of night tonight. In fact, I’m expecting it after his remarks coming off the 9-3 loss to the Sabres Thursday night.
“I think, just collectively, this was probably one of the worst games since I’ve been here,” Matthews told the media post-game. He went on to call the loss embarrassing as well.
I’m banking on the Leafs bouncing back in a big way after that outing. If there’s anything we should know about Matthews in particular, it’s that when he plays pissed off and motivated, he is arguably the most dominant force in the league. After the Buffalo performance, I very much expect that man to show up tonight against Columbus in a big way.
Plus, Matthews to score a goal has been one of the most clutch bets all month, cashing in six straight games and in all but one game in the month of December. Heck, the guy has five two-goal performances this month alone. Can he make it six tonight?
The matchup does seem to favor him greatly. The aforementioned seven-game goal-scoring streak against Columbus is one reason to believe, but how about how poor the Blue Jackets have been all year in their own end?
Columbus is giving up 3.62 goals per game (31st) this year, with the third-most shots given up and the ninth-most high-danger scoring chances. If Matthews brings his A-game, he should definitely be able to find the back of the net for a seventh consecutive game and continue to add to his league-leading 26 goals.
My best bet: Auston Matthews anytime goal (-110 at SIA)
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Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets same-game parlay
Auston Matthews anytime goal
Maple Leafs Over 3.5 goals
Maple Leafs -1.5
In addition to our best bet, let’s take the Over on the team total of 3.5 goals. If we’re banking on one from Matthews, that just means the Leafs need to muster up three more goals from throughout the lineup. Given the fact that the team is averaging a league-high 4.22 goals per game in the month of December, I think they get there.
For my final leg, let’s roll with the Leafs on the spread (-1.5). This team was embarrassed last week by Columbus and then really got crushed last night in Buffalo. I think the Leafs want that sour taste out of their months. I see them challenging themselves to get up for this final game before the holiday break and win big against a Blue Jackets team that sits 28th in the standings.
Plus, their last three victories have come while covering the spread.
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Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs are large favorites tonight at -200 odds, with the Blue Jackets entering as +165 road dogs. The Leafs should be motivated to have a big night after getting beat by Columbus last week on home ice and then giving up a nine-spot to Buffalo on Thursday. Perhaps look for better value in a Leafs win in regulation with a 3-way result paying -130 instead.
The total for tonight’s game has climbed to 7.0 goals, with the favored side being the Under at -120, while the Over is offering even money (+100). The Leafs have been pretty Jekyll-and-Hyde lately when it comes to their defensive and goaltending play. The money is coming in on the Under, and I think it’s in anticipation of Toronto’s attention to detail tomorrow night with an emphasis on defensive play to avoid the 6-5 or 9-3 stinkers like earlier in the week. However, when this team dials it in defensively, usually the offense follows.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets betting trend to know
The Over is 9-1 in the Maple Leafs' last 10 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets.
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Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets game info
| Location: | Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date: | Saturday, December 23, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN, BSOH |
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
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