Tonight, the NHL betting slate includes 13 games, featuring a matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Arena.
Auston Matthews has been quiet on the scoreboard lately, with just two goals in his last seven games, but he typically dominates whenever he faces off against the Blue Jackets, and I think that trend continues tonight as he finds the back of the net.
Find out why with my Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets predictions and NHL picks for Saturday, April 5.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets prediction
My Leafs pick: Auston Matthews anytime goal (-110 at Sports Interaction)
My Leafs analysis
Death, taxes, and Auston Matthews scoring goals on the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It’s been a down year for the Toronto Maple Leafs captain, sitting with just 29 goals this season, but he can always rely on a goal or two against the Blue Jackets to bump those numbers up.
Matthews has scored in eight of the last nine meetings against Columbus, totaling 11 goals in that span– and it doesn’t seem to matter who the Jackets have in the net, either.
The Leafs sniper has scored seven times on longtime starter Elvis Merzlikins and has a pair of goals in three contests against backup Daniil Tarasov.
So, whoever gets the start tonight should be worried about AM34 barreling down on them.
He’s a menace for Blue Jackets goaltenders, and I expect that trend to continue tonight, which is a big reason why I'm making an anytime goal from AM34 my best bet of the night.
Matthews has been snakebitten this season and has just two goals in his last seven games despite being on a productive top line for the Buds and being a focal point on a blazing-hot power play.
Something has to give here, and I think a game against a team he’s had immense success against is exactly what the doctor ordered to get his goal-scoring touch back on track.
Additionally, Columbus is terrible on the road, sporting a 12-21-4 record when away from their home barn. They allow 3.59 goals against and score over a full goal less per game (1.09) than the away side.
Their special teams are also abysmal, with a PP operating at 11% and a PK with a 74% kill rate, which should have Toronto's potent powerplay licking its chops.
Oh, and for those wondering, the game is in Toronto tonight. So you should feel comfortable backing the Leafs and Auston Matthews to do some damage.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets same-game parlay (SGP)
Auston Matthews anytime goal
Auston Matthews 3+ shots on goal
Toronto Maple Leafs moneyline
For the first leg of our SGP, we’ll double down on the best bet and take Auston Matthews to score an anytime goal tonight.
We’ll continue to focus on the Matthews props and take him to record 3+ shots on the net tonight. He’s averaged 4.5 shots per game throughout his career against Columbus and has met that number in nine of his last 12 outings this season.
For the final leg of the SGP, I’ll take the Leafs on the Moneyline. Firstly, they’re the better team overall and should win this game, with playoff seeding still very much at stake.
Secondly, though, fading Columbus on the road has been very profitable this season, as they’re only 12-25 on the Moneyline.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets odds
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets live odds
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto -1.5 (+115) | Columbus +1.5 (-140)
- Moneyline: Toronto (-200) | Columbus (+165)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets trend
The Maple Leafs lead the league in 2P goals with 97, while the Blue Jackets have given up 98, the second-most allowed in the NHL. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Saturday, 4-5-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBC |
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
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