If “pond hockey” worked the Maple Leafs would hardly ever lose. Toronto has more skill than perhaps any other NHL team. Balanced against that is the Maple Leafs’ lack of grit and structure. Run and gun hockey is fun to watch. However, it is a misery to bet on come playoff time. Successful postseason clubs beat the NHL betting odds with defense and goaltending. Not to mention a tenacity and drive unsurpassed in sports. That is where the Blue Jackets come into play. To show, Columbus is all heart and little in skill.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – Game 3
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 6, 2020, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario |
| Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets TV Coverage: | NBCSN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Leafs | -1½ (+170) | 5½ (+110) | -155 |  |
| Blue Jackets | +1½ (-200) | 5½ (-130) | +135 | |
| ||||
Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets SBG Odds Overview
Toronto’s 3-0 win over the Blue Jackets in game two will affect offshore betting handle. Specifically, the lack of offensive skill on Columbus was exposed. Game one emptied the Blue Jackets tanks. Columbus was out of gas and with no answers or ability. More empathically the Maple Leafs seemed energized by their game one 2-0 loss. Toronto is the most public brand in NHL gambling. Their dominant game two wins will exacerbate that.
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Overview
Namely, Auston Matthews is the marquee man of the Maple Leafs. Game two showed why Matthews lit the lamp and set the tone for Toronto. Goaltender Frederik Anderson has been nearly flawless. To illustrate he has a 0.50 goals-against average and .982 save percentage.
Key Toronto Maple Leafs: C Auston Matthews 47 G, 33 A, 80 PTS, 19 +/-, 12 PPG, 13 PPA, 0 SHG, 16.2 SPCT, D Tyson Barrie 5 G, 34 A, 39 PTS, -7 +/-, 1 PPG, 11 PPA, 0 SHG, 3.0 SPCT, G Frederik Andersen 29-13-7, 2.85 GAA, .909 SVPCT, 3 SO
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Overview
Decidedly Columbus coach John Tortorella has decided to try and beat Toronto by the defense. Theoretically, he is satisfied with a 1-0 win. At first, the strategy worked. Toronto blew it apart in the second game. Eventually, Torts is going to have to generate some offense. Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo has a 1.02 goals-against average and .970 save percentage.
Key Columbus Blue Jackets: C Pierre Luc Dubois 18 G, 31 A, 49 PTS, -2 +/-, 1 PPG, 9 PPA, 0 SHG, 11.4 SPCT, D Zach Werenski 20 G, 21 A, 41 PTS, 9 +/-, 5 PPG, 8 PPA, 1 SHG, 10.7 SPCT, G Jonas Korpisalo 19-12-5, 2.60 GAA, .911 SVPCT, 2 SO
Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets Against the Spread
The Maple Leafs are:
- 7-10 in their last 17 tilts as a favorite
- 4-10 under the total when favored
- 6-10 in their last 16 games as chalk to the Blue Jackets
- 2-6-1 under the total when favored against Columbus
The Blue Jackets are:
- 11-9 as an underdog
- Over the total in just five of their last 20 games as a dog
- 9-5 in their last 14 overall games with the Maple Leafs
- 2-4-2 under the total vs. Toronto
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the public will pound Toronto with the NHL lines. Columbus brings an excellent price not to be ignored.
Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets SBG Best Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets and Under the Total