The Leafs looked like the better team for most of the game, but couldn't solve Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins.

Fantilli's first NHL hat trick, two-point game for Del Belluz and a big night from Merzlikins in net help Blue Jackets stun the Maple Leafs.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing incredible hockey in the 2024-25 season. The Maple Leafs had struggled a bit, but have since rattled off three straight wins. Unfortunately, it appears the team is on track to lose Wednesday night to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

But Knies and linemates Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were already in a frustrated state as the Jackets ended the Leafs’ three-game win streak. Columbus, making an improbable run at a wild-card playoff spot, are only the second Eastern Conference team to beat the Atlantic Division leading Leafs twice, by a combined 11-3 score.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday (Jan. 22). Despite dictating the pace for most of the matchup, the Leafs didn’t capitalize on their chances, and some defensive lapses resulted in deflating goals against them.

Adam Fantilli scored his first career hat trick as the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Auston Matthews has had a ton of success against Columbus in his career, and our Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets predictions expect that to continue tonight.

Related: Columbus Blue Jackets (51 pts) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (62 pts) Game Preview. Projected Lineup **Lines Subject to Change Prior to gametime. Dmitri Voronkov - Adam Fantill

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitchell Marner and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zachary Werenski are two of the top players to keep an eye on when these teams meet on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET, at Scotiabank Arena.

The NHL schedule on Wednesday features a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs (30-16-2) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-18-7), starting at 7:30 PM ET at Scotiabank Arena and broadcast on ESPN+. The Maple Leafs rank second and the Blue Jackets ninth in the Eastern Conference.