The Toronto Maple Leafs (31-13-8) and'Columbus Blue Jackets'(15-32-4) meet Friday at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+).'Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Maple Leafs failed to cash as +117 home underdogs in a 5-2 loss vs. the Boston Bruins in their last game, back on Feb. 1, before the All-Star break. C Calle Järnkrok and RW Mitch Marner scored for the Maple Leafs, who have lost 2 of their last 3 games. Toronto is 6-1 in its last 7 games after allowing 5 or more goals in its previous contest.
The Blue Jackets lost last time out as +170 home underdogs as the Washington Capitals edged Columbus 4-3 in overtime Jan. 31. LW Johnny Gaudreau'scored in the 3rd period to force overtime as the Blue Jackets erased a 2-goal deficit, but ultimately could not complete the comeback. Columbus is 1-8 in its last 9 games vs. Atlantic Division teams.
This is the 1st meeting this season between the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets. Toronto won last season’s series 2-1 with the most recent meeting being a 5-4 Maple Leafs win as -212 road favorites March 7.