Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Thursday, Dec. 14

We have your Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Columbus Blue Jackets hit the road to face the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (15-6-5) are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets (9-16-5) in a clash of Eastern Conference teams. As the Maple Leafs aim to climb higher in the Atlantic Division standings, the Blue Jackets are looking to break out of the Metropolitan Division’s basement.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Odds Info

Moneyline: Columbus Blue Jackets +225 (BetRivers) / Toronto Maple Leafs -250 (PointsBet)

Puck Line: -1.5 – Columbus Blue Jackets -109 (BetRivers) / Toronto Maple Leafs -110 (BetRivers)

Total: 6.5 – +110 (PointsBet) / -130 (PointsBet)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Dec. 14

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON

TV: ESPN+

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends

• On the road this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 2 wins and 11 losses.
• As the underdog this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 8 wins and 18 losses.
• This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have hit 17 overs and 13 unders.

Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Trends

• At home this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have 8 wins and 5 losses.
• As the favorite this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have 13 wins and 11 losses.
• This season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have hit 15 overs and 11 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the course of the last two seasons, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Toronto Maple Leafs have faced off three times, with the Maple Leafs emerging victorious in two of those encounters. The games, which took place between February and April of the 2022-2023 season, saw the visiting team claim two wins, while the home team secured one. When it came to betting statistics, the Maple Leafs covered the spread in two games, whereas the Blue Jackets did so in one. In terms of totals betting, the ‘Over’ hit once, and the ‘Under’ was the outcome in the remaining two games. The most recent game between these two teams ended with a 4-2 victory for the Maple Leafs. Throughout these matchups, the Maple Leafs demonstrated a strong offensive presence, particularly in their most recent game where they fired an impressive 50 shots on goal. The Blue Jackets, while less dominant in shot production, showed resilience in physical play, recording 40 hits in their last game against the Maple Leafs.

The most recent game, played on April 4, 2023, concluded with a 4-2 win for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The game began with both teams tied at 1-1 after the first period, but the Maple Leafs took the lead in the second period and maintained it through the third. Zach Aston-Reese of the Maple Leafs was a standout player, scoring two goals, including the game-tying and lead-extending goals. The Blue Jackets’ Eric Robinson also made an impact with an unassisted wrist shot goal in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. The Maple Leafs’ goaltender, Joseph Woll, saved 24 out of 26 shots, while the Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves faced a barrage of 49 shots, saving 46. The game was characterized by a high number of hits and blocked shots from both teams, with the Blue Jackets blocking 16 shots and delivering 40 hits, and the Maple Leafs blocking 18 shots and registering 27 hits.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Predictions

The Maple Leafs enter this matchup on a high note, having won their last game and holding a solid record at Scotiabank Arena. With star players like Auston Matthews leading the team in goals and William Nylander topping the points chart, Toronto’s offense has been formidable. The team’s power play has been particularly effective, and they’ll be looking to capitalize on any opportunities against the Blue Jackets. Defensively, the Leafs have been steady, but they’ll need to be on guard against a Columbus team that can be unpredictable on the attack.

Columbus, on the other hand, has struggled this season, especially on the road. However, they have shown flashes of potential, with Kirill Marchenko emerging as a goal-scoring threat and Zach Werenski contributing significantly on both ends of the ice. The Blue Jackets will need to tighten up their defense, which has allowed a high number of goals this season, if they hope to contain the Leafs’ offensive firepower. Special teams could play a crucial role in this game, as Columbus looks to improve their penalty kill against one of the league’s better power plays.

This game could come down to goaltending and key player matchups. The Maple Leafs’ Joseph Woll has been solid in net, and his performance could be a difference-maker. For Columbus, finding a way to slow down Toronto’s dynamic duo of Matthews and Nylander will be critical. The Blue Jackets will also need their top playmakers, like Werenski, to step up and challenge the Leafs’ defense. With both teams eager for a win, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest with potential playoff implications down the line.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Pick

Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs’ strong position in the standings and their recent victory, the value lies with the Columbus Blue Jackets’ moneyline bet. The Blue Jackets have shown resilience and the ability to surprise, as evidenced by their 18-12 ATS record, indicating they often outperform expectations. Additionally, the Blue Jackets have a solid 17-13 record on the ‘Over’ this season, suggesting they can be involved in high-scoring games, which could disrupt the Maple Leafs’ rhythm. With the Maple Leafs’ recent ATS struggles, going just 6-20 this season, there’s an opportunity for an upset, especially considering the potential payout of a Columbus victory at +225 odds.

Historically, the head-to-head has seen the Maple Leafs dominate, but the Blue Jackets have managed to cover the spread in one of their last three encounters and have won all five games that went to overtime against Toronto. With the Maple Leafs’ goaltender Joseph Woll’s status uncertain due to injury, and the Blue Jackets’ recent line adjustments showing promise, Columbus could capitalize on any instability in Toronto’s netminding. The Blue Jackets’ physical play, which saw them deliver 40 hits in their last game against the Maple Leafs, could also be a factor in disrupting Toronto’s flow. Considering these factors, the Columbus Blue Jackets moneyline bet presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario that could pay off handsomely.

The Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets +225 (BetRivers)

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs