The Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs face off tonight in what could be the biggest game of the season for both clubs.
For the Blue Jackets, the stakes are clear. With just eight games remaining, they’re fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. It starts tonight on the road against the Maple Leafs—a tough test against one of the NHL’s top teams.
Toronto has plenty to play for as well. They’re in the thick of the Atlantic Division race and are pushing hard for first place, which means they won’t be taking anything lightly.
For Columbus, being the underdog isn’t new. They’ve embraced that role all season long, and they’ll need to lean into it again tonight. The Blue Jackets currently sit four points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final wild card spot, and with a back-to-back this weekend—tonight against Toronto and tomorrow against Ottawa—they can’t afford to drop both games.
The final playoff push begins now. After everything this group has faced, this is just another challenge. They need to bring their best and find a way to steal two points on the road.
Columbus Blue Jackets Lines, Defensive Pairings, & Scratches For Tonight's Game vs. Toronto Maple LeafsThe Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs play the final game of the season series. Columbus won the previous two games.
Columbus Blue Jackets (77 pts) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (96 pts) Game PreviewThe Columbus Blue Jackets are in Toronto tonight to play the Maple Leafs for the third and final time this season. The Jackets have beaten the Leafs in the previous two meetings.
Looking Ahead At The Blue Jackets' Remaining 8 GamesAs the NHL season begins to wind down, the top teams in the standings are starting to punch their ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
