2nd of 3 in NHL 3-pack
(NHL) Columbus vs. Toronto, 08/04/2020 4:00 PM, Score: 0 - 3
Money Line: 130.00 Columbus (Away)
Result: Loss
Rickenbach NHL Rotation #37 Tuesday 8* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (+) vs Toronto Maple LeafsĀ @ 4 ET - The Maple Leafs are coached by 39-year old Sheldon Keefe. I am not trying to knock the young coach too much and he did lead the AHL's Toronto Marlies to the Calder Cup, but he is having trouble here matching wits with the far more experienced coach in the Blue Jackets John Tortorella whom is 23 years older. Toronto has some great talent up front with their forwards but Columbus is stifling that and frustrating them. Keep in mind this is the same Columbus team which swept the Lightning out of the first round of the playoffs last season. Tampa Bay, Tortorella's former team, had a fantastic regular season but it didn't matter. Similar thing here. The Maple Leafs are essentially playing on home ice since Toronto is a hub city and the Leafs had a better regular season record too. However, lets not forget that after Keefe first took over the Maple Leafs this season they won 15 of 20 games. However, they then wrapped up the season by losing 27 of 47. It is a lot of pressure on the Leafs here to win at home, even though no fans here in this unique situation, and the Blue Jackets are playing much more relaxed and poised and staying within themselves. The Leafs I suspect will continue to crack under the pressure. We have excellent underdog line value here as a result. 8* COLUMBUS