The Toronto Maple Leafs (35-16-4) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (28-25-3) Monday at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we look at the Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Maple Leafs have dropped the past two games, both at home, losing to the Buffalo Sabres (5-1 Wednesday) and Vancouver Canucks (6-4 Saturday). The Jackets won 4-3 in overtime Feb. 22 the last time these teams met, which was also in Columbus.
The Blue Jackets were edged 5-4 in a shootout against the Boston Bruins Saturday for a second straight loss. The Jackets have won just once in their last five outings (1-2-2).
Maple Leafs at Blue Jackets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Maple Leafs -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Blue Jackets +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
- Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs -1.5 (+110) | Blue Jackets +1.5 (-135)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
Maple Leafs at Blue Jackets projected goalies
Petr Mrazek (9-5-0, 3.22 GAA, .890 SV%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (19-14-3, 3.42 GAA, .903 SV%, 2 SO)
Mrazek had a three-game win streak snapped when he was knocked around for 5 goals on 31 shots last time out against the Sabres Wednesday. This would be Mrazek’s first appearance against the Jackets since Jan.16, 2020, when he was a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Merzlikins was in net for the last two games, a loss in a shootout to the Bruins Saturday and a 4-3 overtime setback to the Los Angeles Kings Friday. He allowed 5 goals on 30 shots in a loss in Toronto Dec. 7.