All 32 NHL teams are in action tonight, which includes an Eastern Conference clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The NHL Odds favor Toronto, and my Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets predictions again focus on the Auston Matthews prop market.
My Leafs analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs are rolling after a small stumble out of the gate opening night, winning four of their last five games, including a 5-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. The Columbus Blue Jackets, on the other hand, are 2-3 on the year and are coming off a 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild.
The Leafs have showcased a consistent offense with 4+ goals in four of their last five games. Auston Matthews has been the catalyst with a goal in three straight. He'll make it four in a row tonight as I make an AM34 anytime goal prop my best bet.
Why, you ask?
Death, taxes, and Matthews scoring on the Blue Jackets. It's a tale as old as time.
The Maple Leafs have oddly struggled against Columbus of late, losing three of the last five meetings. However, win or lose, that hasn't stopped Matthews from filling the net.
The three-time Rocket winner has at least one goal in nine straight meetings against Columbus, netting 12 total goals in that span.
Matthews leads the league with 34 shots on net, averaging 5.6 per game. That's ample opportunity to get one to drop, especially against a team with an .863 save percentage while allowing 3.6 goals per game.
Another reason I like Matthews to score tonight is how well the power play looked in their last game after the early season struggles. The Buds went 1-for-4 on the man advantage against Tampa but generated many quality chances and looked their most dangerous.
This bodes well for the Leafs considering the Jackets' penalty kill ranks 26th in the NHL, surrendering four goals on just 15 opportunities (73%).
I also like William Nylander to score tonight. He leads the Leafs with five goals and has arguably been the most dominant Toronto player in the early portion of the season. He also has four goals in his last five games against Columbus with a goal in three straight.
We'll finish the parlay tonight by taking the Maple Leafs to score the first goal of the game. The Maple Leafs have seven first-period goals on the year, scoring first in 50% of their outings. Meanwhile, the Jackets have been limited to just four goals in the opening frame.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
All four of the Maple Leafs' wins have been by 2+ goals, resulting in a 4-0 record on the puck line in their victories. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets.