Game Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets will welcome the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs to Nationwide Arena, where the stakes are high for both teams. Currently sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and 16th in the Eastern Conference, Toronto finds itself in a precarious position with a record of 3-5-2 over the last 10 games. Moreover, their last victory came on November 22 against the Canadiens, making their road performance particularly concerning at just 1-6-0 this season. They have also been outscored by the Jackets this season with an aggregate of 9-5, raising questions about their capability to rebound tonight.
Historical Context and Recent Performance
Historically, Columbus holds an edge over Toronto with a record of 23 wins and 20 losses in their all-time encounters, impressively taking 6 of the last 8 matchups. The Blue Jackets have been on a roll at home against the Leafs, winning three consecutive games at Nationwide. However, essential players are missing from both teams, including Toronto’s stars Auston Matthews, Noah Knies, and Roy, while Columbus faces challenges as well, with Kirill Marchenko and Mathieu Olivier out for the matchup, although Zach Werenski is expected to suit up after his recent absence.
Current Standings and Statistics
In a competitive Eastern Conference where teams are tightly bunched within two points, both teams desperately seek points. Columbus’ performance indicators show a power play conversion of 17.0%—ranking them 23rd in the NHL—while their penalty kill is not faring much better at 73.7%, placing them 28th. They have managed a total of 66 goals but have also allowed 75, leading to their positioning as 22nd in goals scored and 26th in goals allowed.
On the flip side, the Maple Leafs boast a stronger offensive presence with 74 goals, putting them 6th in that category, although they have struggled defensively with 82 goals against, ranking 29th. John Tavares stands out as the leader in goal-scoring for Toronto with 12 goals, while William Nylander heads the team in assists and overall points with 19 and 29, respectively. Goaltender Joseph Woll has faced challenges with a record of 1-2-1 and a save percentage of .905, having not played since their last game against Montreal.
Injury Impact and Broadcast Information
As injury woes continue to plague both squads, the absence of key players could significantly impact the game’s outcome. Columbus has a total of 35 man-games lost to injuries this season. Coverage of the game tonight can be found on FanDuel Sports Network with Steve Mears providing play-by-play commentary, while the radio broadcast will be available on 97.1 The Fan, featuring Bob McElligott.
