Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions for Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The Maple Leafs have dropped three straight games, and they'll try to end that skid Tuesday when they visit Columbus. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET at Nationwide Arena, with ESPN+ carrying the game. Toronto is 3-4-2 and last in the Atlantic Division after losing 4-1 to the Islanders on Saturday. The Blue Jackets haven't been doing much better, sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division at 3-4-0. Columbus lost 2-1 to Minnesota on Sunday, one night after beating the Rangers in overtime. Toronto has managed just one win in its last five games, while Columbus has won two. Get an edge with our free NHL picks.

Toronto Maple Leafs Struggling Despite Their Scoring

Four goals weren't enough for Toronto against Utah or Buffalo. The Maple Leafs lost 5-4 in both games, including an overtime defeat against the Sabres. Then came Saturday's loss to the Islanders, when Toronto managed just one goal. That's been the problem so far. The Leafs have players who can score, but they're giving up 3.44 goals a night themselves. Toronto is averaging 3.22 goals on 28.0 shots, so there hasn't been much room for mistakes. One area that's working is special teams. The Maple Leafs have converted 26.7% of their power plays and allowed only one power-play goal through nine games.

Auston Matthews has six goals and seven assists through nine games, while William Nylander has contributed five goals and seven assists. Kirill Marchenko is also off to a good start, recording four goals and five assists. Getting goals from those players hasn't been the issue. Toronto has struggled to keep the puck out of its own net, particularly with Sergei Bobrovsky in goal. Bobrovsky is 1-3-2 after six appearances, allowing 3.29 goals per game and stopping 89.0% of the shots he's faced. Anthony Stolarz has won twice in three appearances, but his numbers aren't much better. He's carrying a .875 save percentage and a 3.32 goals-against average.

Injuries: John Tavares, Dakota Joshua, Miles Wood, Chris Tanev and Max Domi are on injured reserve.

Columbus Blue Jackets Need More Scoring

Columbus hasn't had much success lately, either. The Blue Jackets picked up a 1-0 overtime victory against the Rangers on Saturday, with Minnesota handing them a 2-1 defeat the following night. They also took a beating from Florida last Tuesday, losing 7-3. Columbus has scored just 17 goals in seven games, an average of 2.43 per outing. The Blue Jackets are taking 26.0 shots a night and allowing 3.29 goals themselves. Their power play has produced only two goals, converting 11.8% of its opportunities.

Kent Johnson has scored four times for Columbus, with Cole Sillinger adding three goals. Charlie Coyle hasn't found the net yet, but he's collected six assists. Zach Werenski also has six assists and leads the Blue Jackets with a plus-seven rating. He's spending an average of 29:22 on the ice each game. Jet Greaves has won two of his four decisions, allowing 2.58 goals per game and saving 90.5% of the shots he's faced. Cam Talbot has struggled more, posting a 1-2-0 record and a .873 save percentage. Columbus also needs to improve when playing a man down, having killed just 68.0% of opposing power plays.

Injuries: No reported injuries.

Key To The Game

Toronto's power play is the area Columbus has to worry about. The Maple Leafs convert 26.7% of their opportunities, while the Blue Jackets have killed only 68.0% of penalties. Columbus needs to stay out of the box and get the kind of goaltending Greaves provided against the Rangers.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Pick

• Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs have lost three straight, but Matthews and Nylander are still producing. Columbus has struggled to score and owns a penalty kill that has stopped only 68.0% of chances. Toronto has converted 26.7% of its power plays, giving the Leafs a clear way to create goals in this matchup. Columbus has home ice, but Toronto's greater scoring depth will make the difference. The Maple Leafs will win Tuesday.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Over/Under Pick

• Over

Toronto has scored four goals in two of its last three losses, and Columbus has given up at least five in two of its past four games. Neither team has been consistent in goal, with three of the four goaltenders carrying save percentages below .900. The Maple Leafs have a dangerous power play against a struggling Columbus penalty kill. That combination will create chances, and this matchup will finish over.