The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tailspin, and carry their road losing streak into a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The pregame narrative: Toronto has lost seven of its last eight games, including three straight on the road. The Blue Jackets have already beaten the Leafs twice this year, and are slight favourites for Round 3. Auston Matthews was spotted at practice this week, but it’s unclear if he’ll play tonight.
Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets predictions for the game on Nov. 26, featuring a prop bet on
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Editor’s note: Auston Matthews confirmed he will be returning to the lineup tonight.
Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets predictions
Best Bet: Over 6.5 goals (-115)
We’re long past the proverbial panic button stage in Toronto.
The Leafs are dead last in the Eastern Conference and are giving up the second-most goals per game (3.73) in the NHL.
I don’t expect a reversal, at least not in the near future.
Toronto is giving up the fourth most chances (66.3) and shots (30.6) on a 60-minute basis, per Natural Stat Trick. And it’s practically icing Morgan Rielly plus an AHL blue line right now with Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo sidelined.
Joseph Woll has done a decent job of mitigating the damage, but still has a 3.27 GAA thanks to the sheer number of shots he faces.
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Still, I think taking the over on this total is safer than backing Columbus.
We’ve seen the Leafs outscore their defensive issues a few times this year, and Matthews’ possible return could be a much-needed shot in the arm.
But even if the captain remains out, Nylander and John Tavares are capable of driving the bus.
Columbus isn’t much better defensively, either, allowing the seventh-most chances (62) and third-most shots (30.72) on a 60-minute basis.
This should be a shootout.
Key stat: Toronto has gone over this total in 14 of its last 17 games.
Best NHL prop picks
Nylander to score (+125): Nylander is one of the best players on the planet when he feels like putting it all together. I’m hoping tonight is one of those nights.
The Swedish winger has 10 goals and 29 points so far, and is on pace for a fourth-straight 40-goal season.
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He has seven goals in his last 10 games and two in his last three, so we’re backing him while he’s hot.
Columbus, as mentioned, doesn’t have the best defensive track record. Nylander failed to score against the Blue Jackets last Thursday but did have a team-high six shots and led all forwards in ice time (21:50).
I like his chances of finding the score sheet tonight.
Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets predictions made at 11:30 a.m. ET Nov. 26, 2025.
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Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.