The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night.
The pregame narrative: Toronto aims to extend its win streak to four and Columbus hopes to get back on track after back-to-back losses. I’m backing Auston Matthews to light the lamp tonight while fading Mitch Marner’s shots prop.
Check out my Maple Leafs props vs. Blue Jackets for Jan. 22.
Maple Leafs props vs. Blue Jackets
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Best bet: Matthews to score (-132)
Matthews has been on a stellar run since returning from his upper body injury on Jan. 4.
He’s racked up eight goals and 14 points in nine games post-injury. He’s also posted an ungodly 29.6% shooting percentage over that stretch, which is something I’ve never seen before.
Obviously, that figure isn’t sustainable over time, but I’m getting behind the hot steak in this matchup.
Elvis Merzlikins is the confirmed starter for Columbus, and he’s struggling this season.
- 42nd in GAA (3.06) minimum 16 starts
- 43rd in SV % (.890) – minimum 16 starts
The Jackets allow the fifth-most goals per game in the NHL (3.34), and the Maple Leafs captain has had their number his whole career.
The three-time Rocket Richard winner has 22 points in 16 career games against Columbus.
Key stat: Since 2021, Matthews has scored 10 goals in eight matchups versus the Blue Jackets.
Quick pick
Marner under 2.5 shots (-157): Marner is on pace to surpass his career-best point total (99) from two seasons ago.
He’s also just for assists and seven points behind Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the NHL in both categories.
Marner’s shooting percentage is around his 13.0% career average, but the Markham native isn’t shooting as much overall.
He’s finished below 2.5 shots in eight straight games and 11 of the last 12 — despite 18 points over that stretch.
It’s clear he’s taken his playmaking to another level. Playing on a line with Matthews, I figure he’s primarily operating with a pass-first mindset.
Picks made at 2:05 p.m. ET on 01/22/2025.
