Leafs Seek Redemption Against Blue Jackets

Déjà vu? Back on October 21st, the Toronto Maple Leafs followed a thrilling win over the Tampa Bay Lightning with a disappointing 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tonight, the Leafs aim to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself as they face a Columbus team firmly entrenched in the playoff race.

Unlike in years past, the Blue Jackets are no pushovers. With both teams riding hot streaks—Toronto at 7-3-0 in their last 10 games and Columbus at 7-2-1—tonight’s matchup promises to be a battle.

Goaltending Spotlight

Toronto will start Denis Hildeby, who has been good enough to secure wins for the Leafs this year posting a 3-2-0 record with a 891 save %. The Leafs’ high-powered offense has been their saving grace, consistently outscoring their defensive lapses. Can that recipe for success hold up again tonight?

Projected Lineups

Toronto Maple Leafs

Forwards:
Knies – Matthews – Marner
McMann – Holmberg – Nylander
Domi – Minten – Robertson
Lorentz – Kampf – Reaves

Defense:
Rielly – McCabe
Ekman-Larsson – Tanev
Benoit – Timmins

Goalies:
Hildeby (Starting)
Woll (Backup)

Columbus Blue Jackets

Forwards:
Voronkov – Fantilli – Marchenko
Van Riemsdyk – Sillinger – Johnson
Aston-Reese – Bel Belluz – Olivier
Pyyhtia – Kuraly – Danforth

Defense:
Werenski – Fabbro
Mateychuk – Provorov
Christiansen – Severson

Goalies:
Merzlikins (starting)
Tarasov (backup)

Betting Predictions

Anytime Goal Scorer: William Nylander (+120)

Nylander has been electric lately, frequently finding himself on breakaways. He’s red-hot and a solid bet to find the back of the net again tonight.

Anytime Goal Scorer: Zach Aston-Reese (+600)

There’s just something about ex-Leafs coming back to haunt their former team. At +600, Aston-Reese is a long shot, but it’s a tempting bet given the narrative.

Player to Record 1+ Points: Zach Werenski (-190)

Werenski has been on fire with 12 points in his last 10 games. It’s a steep price, but the odds of him continuing his hot streak tonight are high.

What’s at Stake?

The Leafs are looking to extend their winning streak to four games and further solidify their hold on first place in the Atlantic Division. With Washington leading the league by seven points, Toronto still has its sights set on the Presidents’ Trophy.

Can the Leafs keep rolling and avoid a repeat of October’s stumble? Tune in to find out.

Go Leafs Go!