Toronto at Columbus NHL Lines, Free Pick & TV Info

The NHL season is a long hard grind, and while games at the very start of the season may seem meaningless because of that, the same cannot be said for the games that come in the final few weeks. Each of the teams in the league are now down to about 10 games remaining, which means there is very little time left to change the current standings. The pressure is beginning to pile on those teams still stuck in a Wild Card battle, and every single loss from here on out could be the one that ends the season for several teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in one of those battles right now, as they are currently clinging to the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, 3 points ahead of the nearest challenger. Their next game is a tough one, as it comes against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that is vying for the best record in hockey. There is a good chance we may see some goals in this one as well as some updated NHL betting spreads.

A Closer Look At The Toronto at Columbus NHL Lines, Free Pick & TV Info

When: Wednesday, March 22 at 7 PM EST Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus TV: FSOH and TSN Radio: Sportsnet 590 and 97.1 The Fan Live Stream: NHL.TV NHL Odds: TBA    

Why bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs

This has been a fantastic bounce back season for the Maple Leafs (33-23-15), and much of the credit has to go to the contribution from rookie Auston Matthews who has scored 32 goals in his first full season. The Leafs have somehow managed to thrive despite being 21st overall in GAA. It certainly helps that they know how to score, and that their special teams have been very good this season. Toronto have played it very tough on the road going 15-13-8 so far. They are coming off a big win over the Boston Bruins, and are now aware that a few more wins down the stretch should secure them a playoff spot, not to mention a possible first round showdown versus these very same Blue Jackets.

Why bet on the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets (47-18-6) are another team enjoying success after a miserable season last year. There were a lot of hockey fans who believed that this team was going to be very good last season but a woeful start had them playing catch-up all season long. This season has been like night and day as the Blue Jackets have excelled in every facet of the game, sitting in the top 10 of all the major offensive and defensive stats. They have been particularly good in their own building, where they are currently sporting a 26-9-1 record. The Blue Jackets have won their last 3 meetings with the Maple Leafs, outscoring them 13-4 in the process.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Blue Jackets would love to win the President’s Trophy for the best record in the NHL, so don’t look for them to let up in the final couple of weeks. I like them to get the win in this one.

Toronto Maple Leafs 1 Columbus Blue Jackets 4