For a third time this season, the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets will face off. The Maple Leafs will look to turn the tide after a 5-2 loss at the hands of the Canadiens on Saturday. The Blue Jackets will look to continue their dominance over the Maple Leafs this season. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with us here at Last Word On Sports. The Maple Leafs come into this game well-rested, while on a two-game losing streak, as well as at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Both teams come into this matchup looking for consistency in both their offence and defence.
NHL Predictions: Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets
2025-26 Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 2-0 Maple Leafs
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: Sportsnet Ontario, Bally Sports, ESPN+, FUBO
The Maple Leafs are still searching for rhythm. While the Maple Leafs avoid another injury with Jake McCabe’s return to the blue line after taking a puck to the face Saturday, Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies could bring back their scoring touch. Toronto has been inconsistent in both offence and defence. The Leafs’ defensive zone coverage has been shaky, and even with improved personnel, the team will need to execute at a high level to contain the Blue Jackets‘ speed and opportunistic forwards.
Why the Blue Jackets Have the Edge
Columbus enters this matchup with a young and energetic core that is eager to prove itself against a top-tier opponent. Players like Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson excel in fast-paced, transitional hockey, constantly pressuring opposing defences and exploiting gaps in coverage. Their ability to generate offence not just from the top line, but across all four lines, makes them a difficult matchup for any team, including the Maple Leafs.
Even with Toronto’s top players like Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies potentially returning, the Leafs may still struggle to find a consistent rhythm. Columbus has shown the ability to capitalise on mistakes, and a team that is still shaking off rust after injuries can provide the perfect opportunity for the Jackets to dictate the pace.
The Blue Jackets’ confidence is also boosted by recent performances, where they’ve demonstrated resilience in tight games and the ability to strike quickly on the counterattack. On a night where turnovers and lapses are likely from Toronto’s still-rebuilding lines, Columbus can take advantage, sustain pressure in the offensive zone, and force key matchups that tilt the game in their favour.
How The Leafs Could Respond
If Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies return, the Maple Leafs gain a major boost in scoring and leadership, while Jake McCabe strengthens a defence that has struggled with coverage and high-danger chances. Veterans like John Tavares and William Nylander will need to drive possession and create opportunities as they have all season, with supporting players stepping up to sustain pressure.
Even with reinforcements, Toronto must overcome early-season inconsistencies and execute at a high level. The Blue Jackets’ speed and depth make them dangerous in transition, so the Leafs will need discipline, strong special teams, and consistent effort from all lines to stay competitive in this matchup.
Prediction & Key Bets
Final Score Prediction: Blue Jackets 4 – Maple Leafs 3
Columbus’ speed and depth give them a slight advantage over a Maple Leafs team still rediscovering chemistry after injuries. Toronto may generate chances with Matthews and Knies back, but the Blue Jackets’ balanced attack and opportunistic scoring should carry the night.
Best Betting Angles:
- Moneyline: Blue Jackets Win
- Total Goals: Over 6.0 goals, both teams can generate high offensive chances, and the games are always high scoring when against each other.
- Player Prop: Blue Jackets power play goal
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: November 26th Toronto Maple Leafs at Columbus Blue Jackets appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.