In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks for Game 5 between Toronto and Columbus.
Todd Cordell
I like Toronto.
I know they’re prone to disappointing in elimination games. I know they have spurts where they completely fall apart and, oftentimes, it proves costly. I still like them to win this game.
Toronto has controlled 55.45% of the expected goals, and out-chanced the Blue Jackets by 24 (six per game), at 5v5. They have clearly been the better team.
Why are the Jackets up 8-3 in that game state, then? Let me tell you: Toronto is shooting 2.4% at 5v5. 2.4%!
One game is one game – nothing guarantees regression comes tonight – but I’m not betting on an offense featuring talents like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, continuing to struggle to that extent. I think they have the skill to score and, after the end of last game, the confidence to go with it.
Toronto is getting the better of the chances and they have the better players. I’m betting on them pulling through tonight, especially if Zach Werenski is out of the lineup.
James Tanner The Columbus Blue Jackets have had two different goalies make more than 50 saves in a row, over four games, and have won just twice. The Leafs have won only twice despite the fact that they have outplayed Columbus in 12 of 14 periods, and despite getting the kind of goaltending and defense that pretty much no one thought they could get, and which everyone agreed that i they did get it, they'd win for sure.
So basically its a toss up. The Leafs are so far and away the better team its not even funny (or fair) but this series has been almost completely random so far. I will pick the Leafs to win, but I have less objectivity than normal here.
numbers via naturalstattrick.com
Recent posts Most underrated player on the Vancouver Canucks?