Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' scoring rate of 3.5 goals per game, which placed them in the top five for this metric, has seemingly vanished. In four of their previous five games, the Blue Jackets have scored no more than twice. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be ready to take advantage of this.
Toronto Maple Leafs
However, the Maple Leafs fans shouldn't get too complacent. Even in their victories, the team conceded three goals, and in losses, even more, resulting in a sequence of three defeats followed by three wins. Four of those games went with the total over 5.5, with five of them played at the Scotiabank Arena. On a bright side, Auston Matthews (19+8) hasn't lost his scoring touch post-injury. The Leafs' top scorer has netted seven goals in his last seven games.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Yes, the Blue Jackets are currently on a five-game streak with a total under 5.5 goals, but they remain fundamentally an over-performing side. If we take a broader sample of at least 15 recent games, nine of them exceeded the 5.5 goals mark. Before this low-scoring run, they had 9 out of 10 games hitting the over. Unusually, the Blue Jackets conceded very little over the past 10 days—1.4 instead of 3.57 goals per game. Sometimes the goalie stepped up, while other times, opponents struggled with finishing. The guests generally prefer a fast-paced, eventful style of play with chances at both ends.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
Interestingly, the last three matchups between these teams took place in Ohio, and the last one in Ontario was in December 2023. The Columbus Blue Jackets scored six in that game (6:5 OT), as well as in two subsequent ones (6:5 OT, 6:2). Therefore, the overall scoring predominantly depends on the visitors. They possess both a potent offence and an unpredictable goaltending squad. Expect an entertaining game.
