Can Toronto get the job done on the second night of a back-to-back set? We're rocking with the visitors as part of our Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets prediction.
The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Columbus as 41% underdogs at Novig. But the 'dogs are barking tonight, and we're going to invest in them for a juicier payout.
Tap into my NHL picks for Tuesday, Oct. 20, and let's build that bankroll.
TOP PICK
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets prediction: Maple Leafs
On the second night of a back-to-back set, I'm riding with a bounce-back performance from Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz.
The netminder is due for some positive regression after a disastrous start to the season. Expect a move toward his career averages (2.67 GAA, .913 SV%) against a team that's 28th in the NHL in expected goals for (14.36).
Meanwhile, the Leafs' special teams have quietly been great. The power play is clicking at 28% (fifth in the league), and the penalty kill is killing 97% of penalties, by far the best rate leaguewide.
COVERS INTEL: Watch for the Leafs' power play to be even deadlier than it has been this year (7.35 expected goals) against the 29th-ranked penalty kill in Columbus.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets combo
Kirill Marchenko returns to Columbus for the first time since being dealt to Toronto. I'm expecting him to stay red-hot on the scoresheet. He's 28th in the NHL in expected goals and 22nd in high-danger shot attempts.
Elsewhere, William Nylander is averaging 21 minutes of ice time per game and has been out there for 57% of the Leafs' goals this year. We'll take that.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets combo
- Toronto Maple Leafs +1.5
- Kirill Marchenko 1+ point
- William Nylander 1+ point
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets player prop: Marchenko 1+ assist
Who doesn't love a good revenge-game narrative?
Alright, this might not be your typical revenge spot, but Marchenko returns to Columbus for the first time since being traded to Toronto. He spent the first four seasons of his NHL career with the Blue Jackets.
He'll get a little extra motivation to put on a show against his former club. It helps that Marchenko has been humming offensively, registering at least one point in nine of 10 games this season.
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets goal scorer: Auston Matthews
Welcome back to the Auston Matthews section of my Leafs articles. He's cashed for us in four of the last five games, so we're not going to fix what ain't broken here.
Matthews continues to be a monster this season, and he's averaging 4.43 high-danger shot attempts per game. Against one of the worst penalty-kill units in hockey, Matthews will get to his spot on the man advantage and capitalize. Expect him to light the lamp at least once in Columbus.
- Top picks: 5-7, -1.87 units
- Combos: 5-6, +4.30 units
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Maple Leafs 42% | Blue Jackets 60%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (51%) | Under 6.5 (50%)
- Spread: Maple Leafs +1.5 (64%) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (38%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets trend
The Over is 5-1 in the Maple Leafs last six games as a road underdog. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets
| Location | Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet, ESPN+ |
Maple Leafs vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
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