Contributing Writer

Maple Leafs vs. Penguins prop predictions Nov. 3: Expect Crosby, Knies to provide offence

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday at Scotiabank Arena.

The pregame narrative: Toronto looks for a second consecutive win but will need to overcome a red-hot Penguins team led by Sidney Crosby. I expect a lot of goals in this game, so I’m backing Crosby to be productive as well as Toronto’s Matthew Knies.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Penguins for the game on Nov. 3.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on the Maple Leafs

Maple Leaf vs. Penguins predictions

Best Bet: Crosby over 2.5 shots (-112)

Crosby is having a great season, scoring nine goals and 17 points so far.

He started the year slowly but has turned in eight goals in his last nine games. The Penguins’ longtime captain wasn’t shooting much to start, but the chances have come in bunches lately.

First eight games: 1-7 vs. this line

Last five games: 4-1 vs. this line

Even at age 38, Crosby is playing close to 19 minutes a night. He is still the best player on a playoff-hopeful Penguins team that is 8-3-2 to begin the season.

-> Bet on Crosby and Knies tonight!

Plus, the Leafs provide a good matchup.

Toronto gives up 3.7 goals on 28.8 shots per game. Both of those are below-average in the NHL.

Key stat: Crosby had 11 shots in three games vs. the Leafs in 2024-25.

Best NHL prop picks

Knies to score (+155): I think there’s some strong value in backing Knies to grab a goal on Monday.

He is the only Leafs forward other than Auston Matthews to average more than 20 minutes on ice per game.

Knies has six more points than Matthews, though, scoring 15 in 12 games while his linemate has nine.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Maple Leafs vs. Penguins props

So Matthews being priced at +105 just doesn’t sit right with me, especially when I can back Knies at +155.

Pittsburgh has excelled at limiting opponent goals (2.6 against per game), but it gives up the fourth-most shots (30.9/game).

Eventually, that should come back to haunt the Penguins, and Toronto is a team that can take advantage.

Maple Leafs prop picks made at 9:45 a.m. ET 11/03/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

NHL anytime goal picks Nov. 3: Bet on McDavid, Bedard to shine

Two star players highlight Monday’s NHL goalscorer picks.

The pregame narrative: Connor McDavid has been on a tear in the early going despite being in a bit of a goalless drought. I expect him to break the trend tonight, while Connor Bedard has value to score in a late-night matchup against the Seattle Kraken.

Check out my NHL goal picks Nov. 3.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on the NHL

NHL goal picks Nov. 3

Best Bet: McDavid to score (+135)

McDavid has 17 points in 13 games. Not too shabby, right?

And yet there’s an argument to be made that he’s leaving a lot of production on the table.

The Oilers captain has only three goals so far, while teammate Leon Draisaitl has nine. The interesting part is that McDavid (42) outpaces Drasaitl in shots (38) and expected goals.

-> Bet on McDavid and the Oilers tonight!

That compliments Draisaitl’s ability as a goalscorer but also illustrates some bad luck for McDavid.

For context, his 7.1% shooting percentage would rank by far the lowest in his career. In 10 previous seasons, the worst shooting percentage McDavid finished with is 12.0%.

The superstar is the best playmaker in the league, but his three goals so far are well below his standards. Over the last five seasons, only five players have more goals than McDavid.

He has a great opportunity to get on the board against a horrendous defensive team in the St. Louis Blues.

Key stat: The Blues allow the most goals per game in the NHL (4.2).

NHL predictions

Bedard to score (+180): Bedard isn’t on the same level as McDavid, but he’s budding into a top star in the league.

Firstly, he’s being treated like a star. He is one of 16 forwards to average north of 21 minutes of ice time per night.

That should naturally give him more scoring chances.

And so far, he has six goals in 12 games. That 41-goal pace would easily exceed the 23 goals he scored as a sophomore last season.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to bet on Bedard now

That pace also helps evaluate the value of this pick. If he keeps lighting the lamp at this rate, these odds will get priced closer to even money rather than 2-to-1 in the future.

The Kraken have been solid defensively, but they have a bottom-six penalty kill (67.8%), which is something that works in Bedard’s favour.

Bedard has two goals with the man advantage this season and averages over three minutes of power-play time.

NHL goal picks made at 3:03 p.m. ET on 11/03/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

NHL anytime goal picks Nov. 3: Bet on McDavid, Bedard to shine

Two star players highlight Monday’s NHL goalscorer picks.

The pregame narrative: Connor McDavid has been on a tear in the early going despite being in a bit of a goalless drought. I expect him to break the trend tonight, while Connor Bedard has value to score in a late-night matchup against the Seattle Kraken.

Check out my NHL goal picks Nov. 3.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on the NHL

NHL goal picks Nov. 3

Best Bet: McDavid to score (+140)

McDavid has 17 points in 13 games. Not too shabby, right?

And yet there’s an argument to be made that he’s leaving a lot of production on the table.

The Oilers captain has only three goals so far, while teammate Leon Draisaitl has nine. The interesting part is that McDavid (42) outpaces Drasaitl in shots (38) and expected goals.

-> Bet on McDavid and the Oilers tonight!

That compliments Draisaitl’s ability as a goalscorer but also illustrates some bad luck for McDavid.

For context, his 7.1% shooting percentage would rank by far the lowest in his career. In 10 previous seasons, the worst shooting percentage McDavid finished with is 12.0%.

The superstar is the best playmaker in the league, but his three goals so far are well below his standards. Over the last five seasons, only five players have more goals than McDavid.

He has a great opportunity to get on the board against a horrendous defensive team in the St. Louis Blues.

Key stat: The Blues allow the most goals per game in the NHL (4.2).

Embed: #120591

NHL predictions

Bedard to score (+168): Bedard isn’t on the same level as McDavid, but he’s budding into a top star in the league.

Firstly, he’s being treated like a star. He is one of 16 forwards to average north of 21 minutes of ice time per night.

That should naturally give him more scoring chances.

And so far, he has six goals in 12 games. That 41-goal pace would easily exceed the 23 goals he scored as a sophomore last season.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to bet on Bedard now

That pace also helps evaluate the value of this pick. If he keeps lighting the lamp at this rate, these odds will get priced closer to even money rather than 2-to-1 in the future.

The Kraken have been solid defensively, but they have a bottom-six penalty kill (67.8%), which is something that works in Bedard’s favour.

Bedard has two goals with the man advantage this season and averages over three minutes of power-play time.

NHL goal picks made at 11:27 a.m. ET on 11/03/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

Maple Leafs vs. Penguins prop predictions Nov. 3: Expect Crosby, Knies to provide offence

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday at Scotiabank Arena.

The pregame narrative: Toronto looks for a second consecutive win but will need to overcome a red-hot Penguins team led by Sidney Crosby. I expect a lot of goals in this game, so I’m backing Crosby to be productive as well as Toronto’s Matthew Knies.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Penguins for the game on Nov. 3.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on the Maple Leafs

Maple Leaf vs. Penguins predictions

Best Bet: Crosby over 2.5 shots (-114)

Crosby is having a great season, scoring nine goals and 17 points so far.

He started the year slowly but has turned in eight goals in his last nine games. The Penguins’ longtime captain wasn’t shooting much to start, but the chances have come in bunches lately.

First eight games: 1-7 vs. this line

Last five games: 4-1 vs. this line

Even at age 38, Crosby is playing close to 19 minutes a night. He is still the best player on a playoff-hopeful Penguins team that is 8-3-2 to begin the season.

-> Bet on Crosby and Knies tonight!

Plus, the Leafs provide a good matchup.

Toronto gives up 3.7 goals on 28.8 shots per game. Both of those are below-average in the NHL.

Key stat: Crosby had 11 shots in three games vs. the Leafs in 2024-25.

Embed: #120584

Best NHL prop picks

Knies to score 2+ points (+255): I think there’s some strong value in backing Knies to grab multiple points on Monday.

He is the only Leafs forward other than Auston Matthews to average more than 20 minutes on ice per game.

Knies has six more points than Matthews, though, scoring 15 in 12 games while his linemate has nine.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Maple Leafs vs. Penguins props

So Matthews being priced at +148 just doesn’t sit right with me, especially when I can back Knies at +255.

Pittsburgh has excelled at limiting opponent goals (2.6 against per game), but it gives up the fourth-most shots (30.9/game).

Eventually, that should come back to haunt the Penguins, and Toronto is a team that can take advantage.

Knies has seven points in his last four games, going 2-2 against this wager.

Maple Leafs prop picks made at 9:45 a.m. ET 11/03/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

Ravens vs. Dolphins TNF Week 9 SGP predictions: Fade Lamar Jackson as a rusher in +430 parlay

Lamar Jackson is expected to make his return for the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football.

The pregame narrative: The Miami Dolphins are 2-6 this season, but are coming off a 27-point win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. They will look to build on that momentum in what is essentially a must-win game for Jackson and the Ravens.

Check out my +430 same-game parlay Ravens vs. Dolphins predictions on Oct. 30, featuring Jaylen Waddle and a team total.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on the NFL

Ravens vs. Dolphins predictions

SGP: Jackson under 35.5 rushing yards | Waddle 50+ receiving yards | Ravens over 29.5 points (+430)

Jackson under 35.5 rushing yards (-113): This isn’t a fade on Jackson by any means, but I do expect the quarterback to be more of a pocket passer after missing three games with a hamstring injury.

Even when he was healthy, he fell short of this rushing total in two of his four starts.

If this were a tough matchup, I might have reconsidered this pick, but the Dolphins have one of the worst defences in the NFL.

-> Bet on Thursday Night Football

Miami’s defence has the third-worst dropback EPA in the NFL (0.231), according to rbsdm.com.

Therefore, there’s little reason for Jackson to risk anything by running the ball. He should be able to sit in the pocket and make his reads without much disruption.

The Dophins have held seven of eight opposing QBs below this total.

That includes dual-threat QBs like Josh Allen, Drake Maye and Justin Herbert.

Thursday Night Football SGP picks

Waddle 50+ receiving yards (-220): With Tyreek Hill and Darren Waller on the injured reserve, Tua Tagovailoa has been force-feeding Waddle, and who can blame him?

Waddle has 90+ receiving yards in three of the past four contests.

He has been targeted 27 times by Tagovailoa across those four games.

-> Build your own Thursday Night Football SGP!

And it’s not like Baltimore’s defence has been good. The Ravens allow the fifth-most passing yards per game (250.7).

In last week’s 30-16 win over the Chicago Bears, top receiver Rome Odunze still managed to haul in seven catches for 114 yards.

I believe the Dolphins can at least match Chicago’s 16-point performance, and Waddle is the true WR1 in the offence now.

Ravens over 29.5 points (-118): With Jackson returning, this is an achievable total for the Ravens.

They hit this over in three of Jackson’s four starts, averaging 32.8 points per game.

-> Visit NorthStar Bets for all NFL Week 9 betting markets

I already mentioned the Dolphins’ horrible pass defence, but they can’t stop the run either.

Miami allows 145.0 rushing yards per contest. That means Derrick Henry could be in for a huge game.

If Jackson’s anywhere near his standard, the Ravens should be able to move the ball freely on the ground and through the air.

Miami has allowed 27-plus points in six of eight games this season.

Ravens vs. Dolphins predictions made at 3:45 p.m. ET 10/29/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

Best NBA prop bets Oct. 29: Take overs for Walker Kessler, Austin Reaves, Cooper Flagg

I have three prop picks from Wednesday’s loaded 10-game NBA slate.

The latest: Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has had an up-and-down start to his NBA career, but I expect an offensive showcase against the Indiana Pacers. Later on, look for Austin Reaves to continue carrying the Los Angeles Lakers.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Oct. 29, featuring a bet on Walker Kessler.

-> Join NorthStar Bets & bet on the NBA today!

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Reaves over 12.5 rebounds/assists (-120)

With LeBron James and Luka Doncic sidelined for the Lakers, Reaves has put together an MVP-calibre start this year.

35.8 PPG
6.8 RPG
8.5 APG

That scoring production is likely to come down, but his ability as a rebounder and passer matches these numbers.

Last season, Reaves played nine games without James. In those contests, he averaged 8.3 assists and 6.6 rebounds. As noted, he’s posted similar stats so far this season.

-> Wager on Austin Reaves prop bets on NorthStar Bets

Reaves has been consistently strong as the Lakers’ top option when called upon, and he should continue stuffing the stat sheet on Wednesday.

Minnesota has a below-average defensive rating (117.3) and will be without Anthony Edwards in this game.

Key stat: Reaves is averaging 14.5 rebounds/assists in two games without LeBron and Doncic this season.

Best NBA picks

Flagg over 15.5 points (-118): Flagg is 2-2 against this line, but the matchup is everything.

In the two games he fell short, he played the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. Two elite defensive teams that have yet to lose a game.

He cashed this wager against the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors, two teams a lot closer to the level of the Indiana Pacers (tonight’s opponents).

Flagg averaged 20.0 points and shot 50.0% from the floor in the games where he cashed this prop.

-> Bet on Cooper Flagg to bounce back on Tuesday

He has taken 13+ shots in three of four contests and will continue to be an integral part of this offence with Anthony Davis.

The Pacers are 0-3 so far and allow the fourth-most points per game (127.7).

This is a great matchup for Flagg to get back on track.

Kessler over 22.5 points/rebounds (-118): Kessler is taking his offensive game to a new level.

After averaging 11.1 PPG in 2024-25, the big man has upped that number to 16.7 PPG to start this season.

That includes two performances of 20+ points and an incredible 85.0% field goal rate. He’s even 3-for-4 from 3-point range.

I don’t expect him to be a 3-point sniper by any means, but the added offence goes a long way for the nightly double-double threat.

-> Back Walker Kessler vs. Portland

Speaking of which, Kessler has nine or more rebounds in every game so far. Last season, he averaged 12.3 per contest.

His opponents, the Portland Trail Blazers, don’t have much front-court depth. And starting centre Donovan Clingan is a traditional big man who plays in the paint.

That should force Kessler to play in the post, where he can contest for plenty of rebounds.

As long as he keeps shooting at a high FG%, this over should be light work for the 7-footer.

NBA prop picks made at 2:37 p.m. ET on 10/29/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

Best NBA prop bets Oct. 29: Take overs for Walker Kessler, Austin Reaves, Cooper Flagg

I have three prop picks from Wednesday’s loaded 10-game NBA slate.

The latest: Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has had an up-and-down start to his NBA career, but I expect an offensive showcase against the Indiana Pacers. Later on, look for Austin Reaves to continue carrying the Los Angeles Lakers.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Oct. 29, featuring a bet on Walker Kessler.

-> Join NorthStar Bets & bet on the NBA today!

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Reaves over 12.5 rebounds/assists (-120)

With LeBron James and Luka Doncic sidelined for the Lakers, Reaves has put together an MVP-calibre start this year.

35.8 PPG
6.8 RPG
8.5 APG

That scoring production is likely to come down, but his ability as a rebounder and passer matches these numbers.

Last season, Reaves played nine games without James. In those contests, he averaged 8.3 assists and 6.6 rebounds. As noted, he’s posted similar stats so far this season.

-> Wager on Austin Reaves prop bets on NorthStar Bets

Reaves has been consistently strong as the Lakers’ top option when called upon, and he should continue stuffing the stat sheet on Wednesday.

Minnesota has a below-average defensive rating (117.3) and will be without Anthony Edwards in this game.

Key stat: Reaves is averaging 14.5 rebounds/assists in two games without LeBron and Doncic this season.

Embed: #120436

Best NBA picks

Flagg over 15.5 points (-109): Flagg is 2-2 against this line, but the matchup is everything.

In the two games he fell short, he played the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. Two elite defensive teams that have yet to lose a game.

He cashed this wager against the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors, two teams a lot closer to the level of the Indiana Pacers (tonight’s opponents).

Flagg averaged 20.0 points and shot 50.0% from the floor in the games where he cashed this prop.

-> Bet on Cooper Flagg to bounce back on Tuesday

He has taken 13+ shots in three of four contests and will continue to be an integral part of this offence with Anthony Davis.

The Pacers are 0-3 so far and allow the fourth-most points per game (127.7).

This is a great matchup for Flagg to get back on track.

Kessler over 22.5 points/rebounds (-118): Kessler is taking his offensive game to a new level.

After averaging 11.1 PPG in 2024-25, the big man has upped that number to 16.7 PPG to start this season.

That includes two performances of 20+ points and an incredible 85.0% field goal rate. He’s even 3-for-4 from 3-point range.

I don’t expect him to be a 3-point sniper by any means, but the added offence goes a long way for the nightly double-double threat.

-> Back Walker Kessler vs. Portland

Speaking of which, Kessler has nine or more rebounds in every game so far. Last season, he averaged 12.3 per contest.

His opponents, the Portland Trail Blazers, don’t have much front-court depth. And starting centre Donovan Clingan is a traditional big man who plays in the paint.

That should force Kessler to play in the post, where he can contest for plenty of rebounds.

As long as he keeps shooting at a high FG%, this over should be light work for the 7-footer.

NBA prop picks made at 2:37 p.m. ET on 10/29/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets prop picks Oct. 29: Back Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly to get on the score sheet

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets take part in the lone NHL game on Wednesday.

The pregame narrative: Both teams played yesterday, with the Leafs picking up a second consecutive win to get them above .500 on the season. The Blue Jackets have won back-to-back games as well, with both victories coming in overtime.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Blue Jackets for the game on Oct. 29, featuring Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on the Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs picks vs. Blue Jackets

Best Bet: Matthews anytime goalscorer (+110)

There are still not a lot of players who can match Matthews’ goalscoring threat on a nightly basis.

He’s on the ice a lot, ranking fifth among NHL forwards in average ice time (22:12).

Matthews ranks sixth in the league in shots on goal (41). No one else on the Leafs has more than 27 shots.

The centreman has scored five goals in 10 games, which is a very respectable 41-goal pace. But there’s an argument to be made that he’s still underachieving.

-> Bet on Auston Matthews tonight!

Matthews has 6.6 expected goals, per Money Puck. That also ranks sixth in the NHL.

Columbus has been solid defensively, but it allows the second-most shots per game (32.8). Eventually, that’ll catch up to the Blue Jackets, and Matthews is an elite sniper.

Key stat: Matthews had two goals on 12 shots in three games against Columbus last season.

Best NHL prop predictions

Rielly to score 1+ points (+115): Rielly was on fire to start the season, recording six points in his first six games.

He’s cooled off significantly, but it’s time for him to break his pointless drought.

Rielly certainly isn’t short on opportunities. With Mitch Marner now in Vegas, the defenceman has reclaimed a spot on the top power play.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets props

The PP has been dreadful, ranking 27th in the NHL (14.8%), but it has scored in two of the past three games. When the Leafs start scoring with the man advantage, the points will pile up for Rielly.

Luckily, the power play has a great matchup tonight. The Blue Jackets own the NHL’s second-worst penalty kill (63.3%).

This is a great chance for Toronto to break out offensively, and Rielly has great value following three straight games without a point.

Maple Leafs picks made at 1:38 p.m. ET 10/29/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

Rockets vs. Raptors prop picks Oct. 29: Bet on Scottie Barnes, Amen Thompson on Wednesday

The Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets meet on Wednesday.

The latest: Both teams could use a win after some early-season struggles. Scottie Barnes has been inconsistent, but Toronto will need his length tonight against the tallest starting five in the NBA. On the other side, take a plus-money prop on Amen Thompson.

Check out these Rockets vs. Raptors picks for the game on Oct. 29 in Toronto.

-> Join NorthStar Bets and start betting on the NBA today!

Rockets vs. Raptors picks

Best bet: Barnes over 29.5 points/rebounds/assists (-112)

Let’s get the ugly out of the way first. Barnes is coming off his worst game of the young season against the San Antonio Spurs. In that matchup, he had eight points, three rebounds and two assists.

He is still 2-2 against this number, though, while averaging 31.3 points/rebounds/assists.

I can see guards RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickly struggling in this matchup because of Houston’s size. Four of its five starters are taller than 6-foot-7, while Josh Okogie is the shortest of the bunch at 6-foot-4.

This should make it difficult for the craftier players to find opportunities to create. That’s why I can see Barnes facilitating and scoring more using his brute force.

-> Bet on Scottie Barnes props at NorthStar Bets

We saw how impactful that can be against the Dallas Mavericks. Barnes led the Raptors with 33 points, adding 11 rebounds and six assists.

He has dealt with foul trouble a couple of times already this season. Because of that, he’s played fewer minutes than expected.

If Barnes plays close to 35 minutes tonight, I’m confident he can cash the over on this total, which falls below his statistical averages.

Key stat: Barnes has averaged more than 32.0 PRA in back-to-back seasons.

-> Wager on Wednesday’s loaded 10-game NBA slate

Thompson prop bet

Thompson over 5.5 assists (+120): With Fred VanVleet out for the season, Thompson has taken the reins as Houston’s starting point guard.

And rightfully so. The 6-foot-7 wing is a triple-double threat on any night, and he’s an incredible defender, which helps him match up with any position.

He’s 1-2 against this wager this season, but he hasn’t been playing great to this point.

Thompson showed off his playmaking potential in the Rockets’ recent win over the Brooklyn Nets, posting eight assists in just over 25 minutes of action.

-> Bet on Rockets vs. Raptors player props!

The third-year player has never averaged over 5.0 assists per game in a season, but his numbers have consistently gotten better each year.

Thompson dished out 3.8 assists per game last season. But he elevated his production in the final 25 games:

5.7 APG
5+ assists in 19 of 25

Toronto has had problems with defensive rotations, leading to opposing teams recording 27.8 assists per game (seventh-most in the NBA).

Additionally, the Raptors allow the sixth-most points per game (125.0). There should be a lot of scoring tonight, which will open up assist opportunities for Houston’s PG.

Rockets vs. Raptors picks made at 1:30 p.m. ET on 10/29/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets prop picks Oct. 29: Back Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly to get on the score sheet

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets take part in the lone NHL game on Wednesday.

The pregame narrative: Both teams played yesterday, with the Leafs picking up a second consecutive win to get them above .500 on the season. The Blue Jackets have won back-to-back games as well, with both victories coming in overtime.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. the Blue Jackets for the game on Oct. 29, featuring Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly.

-> Join NorthStar Bets to start betting on the Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs picks vs. Blue Jackets

Best Bet: Matthews anytime goalscorer (+102)

There are still not a lot of players who can match Matthews’ goalscoring threat on a nightly basis.

He’s on the ice a lot, ranking fifth among NHL forwards in average ice time (22:12).

Matthews ranks sixth in the league in shots on goal (41). No one else on the Leafs has more than 27 shots.

The centreman has scored five goals in 10 games, which is a very respectable 41-goal pace. But there’s an argument to be made that he’s still underachieving.

-> Bet on Auston Matthews tonight!

Matthews has 6.6 expected goals, per Money Puck. That also ranks sixth in the NHL.

Columbus has been solid defensively, but it allows the second-most shots per game (32.8). Eventually, that’ll catch up to the Blue Jackets, and Matthews is an elite sniper.

Key stat: Matthews had two goals on 12 shots in three games against Columbus last season.

Embed: #120421

Best NHL prop predictions

Rielly to score 1+ points (+105): Rielly was on fire to start the season, recording six points in his first six games.

He’s cooled off significantly, but it’s time for him to break his pointless drought.

Rielly certainly isn’t short on opportunities. With Mitch Marner now in Vegas, the defenceman has reclaimed a spot on the top power play.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets props

The PP has been dreadful, ranking 27th in the NHL (14.8%), but it has scored in two of the past three games. When the Leafs start scoring with the man advantage, the points will pile up for Rielly.

Luckily, the power play has a great matchup tonight. The Blue Jackets own the NHL’s second-worst penalty kill (63.3%).

This is a great chance for Toronto to break out offensively, and Rielly has great value following three straight games without a point.

Maple Leafs picks made at 11:35 a.m. ET 10/29/2025.

-> Sign up to NorthStar Bets today!