Blue Jackets vs Leafs Game 5 Odds & Picks

• Game 5 of the Toronto Maple Leafs-Columbus Blue Jackets qualifying series is set for Sunday, August 9th, at 8:00 PM ET
• The Blue Jackets blew a 3-0 third period lead in Game 4, ultimately losing 4-3 in overtime
• The teams have alternated wins and losses through the first four games of the series

The Toronto Maple Leafs survived Game 4 of their qualifying series with the Columbus Blue Jackets, coming back from a 3-0 third-period deficit to win in overtime.  With the win, the series is now tied at two games apiece. As we get set for Game 5 on Sunday at 8:00 PM ET, which team has the edge going into the deciding contest?

Blue Jackets vs Leafs Game 5 Odds

Odds taken Aug. 8th.

Maple Leafs Get Off the Mat

The Maple Leafs have a long (recent) history of underachieving in the playoffs and, on Friday, it looked they were about to add to that chapter. One of the biggest favorites on the board in terms of the qualifying series prices, the Leafs were on the brink of elimination. Trailing 2-1 in the series and 3-0 in the third period, they were four minutes away from losing.

In some ways, it’s probably good that the Air Canada Centre was fan-free because, had it been filled with fans as usual, the mood would have been sour and there would have been even more pressure in the building. At any rate, the Leafs got off the mat with three goals in the final four minutes of the game and then won in overtime.

OH MY GOODNESS 😱#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/jXhff2ZCdq

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 8, 2020

It helps that Auston Matthews, who often takes heat for the Leafs’ playoff struggles, led the way. He had three points on the four goals, including the game-winning tally in overtime. The Leafs couldn’t find a way through Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who stymied them for part of Game 3 and most of Game 4 … until the Leafs finally broke through, and then the floodgates opened.

Who Has Momentum?

This is a really tough series to figure out as the Blue Jackets’ disciplined, defensive style has given them the upper hand. They won Game 1 in a shutout (2-0), won Game 3  by overcoming their own three-goal deficit, and nearly pulled it out in Game 4 before the collapse. On the other hand, the Leafs won Game 2, lost Game 3 in overtime and won Game 4. The Blue Jackets rallied from three down in Game 3 while the Maple Leafs returned the favor in Game 4.

https://twitter.com/MapleL34fs/status/1291926492641861633

Toronto is at home in a decisive Game 5, which should help, fans or not. At the same time, all of the pressure is and has been on Toronto to advance. The Blue Jackets are a young team, essentially playing with house money as there are no expectations on them. Win or lose, they’ve already made a good impression.

What’s The Best Bet?

Toronto is the more skilled team, but you have to pay a hefty price to bet on the Leafs, and these two teams are more evenly matched than that. The Blue Jackets versus Leafs odds show Toronto as a -167 favorite, which is pricey.

Do the Leafs have a small edge, coming off a big win and at home? Maybe. However, the Blue Jackets have been the Leafs equal and should have even closed this out by now. Game 5 is a toss-up.

Regroup and finish on the other side of the break. pic.twitter.com/ksQEZs5lJS

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 8, 2020

That being the case, I’m going to take a small flier on the Blue Jackets. They have a better chance than the odds are suggesting. They were a -225 favorite to win the series entering Game 4. Now they’re a +145 underdog in Game 5.