Last Word On Hockey
NHL News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors
Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
How to Watch:
U.S TV: Fan Duel Sports Ohio; NHL Network
Canada TV: SN1
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We have only one game for today’s NHL predictions. Both the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets are coming off 4-3 victories on Tuesday’s Frozen Frenzy. Toronto held off the Calgary Flames for a home victory. Columbus picked up an overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.
The two clubs looking to get their sixth victory of the campaign. The Leafs have struggled away from home with two losses in both road games. However, the Blue Jackets are just 1-3 in their opening four home games at Nationwide Arena.
This round of NHL predictions will take a look at the storylines and statistics going into this Eastern Conference matchup. Let’s take a look at how this matchup stacks up.
Toronto has been struggling to find an identity in the first 10 games of the season. However, the Maple Leafs have won the last two games in a row. The team got a boost when William Nylander returned to the lineup.
Cayden Primeau is the expected starter with Anthony Stolarz getting the call the night before. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Primeau has won both of his starts, but has a 3.47 goals-against-average.
Nylander leads the team in assists (12) and points (15) in the early portion of the season. However, John Tavares and Auston Matthews are tied for the team’s lead in goals with five.
Columbus has also been up and down in the first handful of games this season. However, the Blue Jackets are also winners of the last two games in a row heading into this.
Elvis Merzlikins is the projected starter, with Jet Greaves getting the nod against the Sabres. Merzlikins is 3-1 and has a 2.96 GAA and .914 save percentage this season.
Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov each hold the team’s lead in goals (5) and points (9) so far this campaign. Five players have a share of the lead in assists, so far with four. These include Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, and Zach Werenski.
Both teams are looking to get their first three-game winning streak this campaign. It’s always hard to tell how each club will react coming off a one-goal game the night before. Getting off to a good start will be important for each club.
The two teams have similar records, but the Leafs should win this on paper. However, don’t discount the Blue Jackets because they scored at least five goals in their two victories last season.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. In our lone game, the over/under for Toronto versus Columbus is 6.5. We like the over due to the scoring talent on both rosters.
As for individual props, go with Matthew Knies for Toronto to score an anytime goal after his three-point night against Calgary. On the Columbus side, take Werenski to get a power play point.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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Longtime sportswriter for the Watertown Daily Times. I have covered minor league and NCAA hockey in women’s Division I and men’s Division III. Also produce the nationally-syndicated Spadora on Sports radio show.
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