Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

On Saturday night in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs meet for a very important battle at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto has already claimed a postseason place, but are in a tight battle to earn the Atlantic Division crown. Columbus meanwhile is in the fight of their lives, as they are so close to a playoff spot, but are competing with numerous others.

Each team has something to play for, so it should give us top-notch action on this Saturday night and here are our predictions and odds for the game.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs betting picks and predictions

Toronto Maple Leafs 3-Way (-125)

Toronto has been on an absolute tear within this battle for the Atlantic Division crown. They have won three straight in regulation, and have posted a 4-0-1 record in their last five games. This has given them sole possession of first place in their division, and they show no signs of slowing down.

They are welcoming a Columbus team who has had a mixed bag of results. They are 3-3-1 in their last seven games, and things are not getting easier against this team. Toronto has a major advantage in momentum, and they carry that into this game. 

Off ice importance aside, Toronto easily boasts the better roster throughout all aspects of the game. They have been extremely consistent with sound defensive efforts and offense that can score at any time.

The Leafs are also getting contributions throughout their entire lineup and all these are traits the Blue Jackets will have a tough time contesting with.

Over 6.5 (-110)

No matter the winner of this game, a high-scoring finish is expected.

Starting with Columbus, they have given up 29 goals in the last six games (4.8 per game) and have scored 27 in the same span (4.5 per game). Their games have generated pure chaos on both ends as of late, and that is unlikely to stop against Toronto.

As for the Maple Leafs, their games have been quite steady as of late, and even throughout the whole NHL season. However, a hungry Blue Jackets team may cause them to produce more offensively to secure the win, and Columbus' lack of recent defense should easily allow them to do so.

Zach Werenski over 0.5 points (-160)

Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski is having a career year. For years he has been the best Blue Jackets defender and an elite NHLer, but this year is different as he is having a season worthy of a Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. 

He doesn’t just lead the way for his team, but he completely drives the play in a majority of his shifts, and is a threat to any opponent. He currently has 74 points which is second amongst NHL defensemen, and has 20 goals which is tied for second in the same grouping.

He is the clear workhorse for this team, and in a must-win situation against one of the NHL’s strongest teams, he will be heavily relied on to provide offense and keep this game in reach of a victory. Columbus should score multiple times, and Werenski is likely to play a leading role once again.

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Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs odds

Columbus Blue Jackets	+165 ML
Toronto Maple Leafs	-200 ML
Puck Line	TOR Maple Leafs -1.5
Total	O/U 6.5

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Auston Matthews (TOR Maple Leafs)	-120
William Nylander (TOR Maple Leafs)	+120
John Tavares (TOR Maple Leafs)	+155
Kirill Marchenko (CLB Blue Jackets)	+180
Sean Monahan (CLB Blue Jackets)	+230
Boone Jenner (CLB Blue Jackets)	+250

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.