Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Blue Jackets aim to brush off ‘slow’ effort, visit Maple Leafs

The Columbus Blue Jackets will look to bounce back from a disappointing performance as they continue their challenging road trip against the surging Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.

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Blue Jackets Struggle to Maintain Momentum

The Blue Jackets entered Monday’s game against the New York Islanders riding a seven-game points streak (6-0-1) but faltered in a 3-1 loss. Coach Dean Evason was blunt in his postgame assessment.

“We didn’t have any positives,” Evason stated. “We were slow in all areas. We thought slow, we skated slow, we passed slow. It looked like we were stuck in a bit of mud.”

Kent Johnson gave Columbus an early lead with a goal, but the team couldn’t sustain their momentum as the Islanders took over in the second period. With teams tightening defensively as the playoff race intensifies, Columbus winger Mathieu Olivier emphasized the need for consistency.

“We’ve got to be dialed in for a full 60 minutes,” Olivier said. “Teams are locking it down, so we can’t have any lapses.”

Adding to their challenges, Columbus faces a grueling schedule. After back-to-back games against Toronto and the Carolina Hurricanes, they’ll have just one home game before heading back on the road for four more.

Return of Justin Danforth

In some positive news for Columbus, right winger Justin Danforth returned to the lineup Monday after missing 18 games with a lower-body injury. Although he logged only 7:26 of ice time, his return adds depth to the lineup, which will be crucial during this demanding stretch.

Maple Leafs Riding High

The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are enjoying a three-game winning streak, including a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. Toronto’s strong start set the tone, with coach Craig Berube praising the team’s effort in the first period.

“We came out and had the right mindset,” Berube said. “I thought we played a real good first.”

Goaltender Joseph Woll has been a key figure during the streak, stopping 27 shots against Tampa Bay. Woll has been solid between the pipes, providing stability for the Leafs.

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Offensive Firepower

Toronto’s offense has been clicking, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Matthews has scored in four straight games (five goals, one assist) and has been electric since returning from an upper-body injury.

“It’s been feeling better each night,” Matthews said. “Getting back in rhythm and playing every night helps. Our line has been attacking offensively and staying solid in our own zone.”

Meanwhile, Marner continues to make history, recording multiple assists in a game for the 123rd time, surpassing Borje Salming for the franchise record. Matthew Knies also shone against Tampa Bay, scoring twice and adding an assist, further showcasing the depth of Toronto’s roster.

“It shows the depth in our room,” Knies said. “We trust each other, and our chemistry is strong. That resilience has brought us together.”

Previous Matchup: Blue Jackets Dominate

The Blue Jackets have reason for optimism heading into Wednesday’s game. On October 22, Columbus defeated Toronto 6-2 in a dominant performance at home. While both teams have evolved since then, this victory serves as a reminder that the Jackets can rise to the occasion against elite opponents.

Keys to the Game

• For Columbus: The Blue Jackets must recapture the speed and energy that fueled their seven-game points streak. Limiting lapses and sustaining pressure for a full 60 minutes will be critical.
• For Toronto: The Leafs need to maintain their offensive momentum while leveraging their defensive depth and goaltending to contain Columbus’ counterattacks.

What’s at Stake

As the season progresses, each game carries increased significance. For Columbus, this matchup represents an opportunity to halt their two-game skid and regain confidence. For Toronto, a win would further solidify their position as a team to beat.

Conclusion

The Blue Jackets’ ability to rebound will be tested against a Maple Leafs team firing on all cylinders. With contrasting trajectories and playoff implications looming, Wednesday’s game promises to deliver intensity and excitement. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as Columbus seeks redemption and Toronto aims to extend their winning streak.