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The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets after Matthew Knies' two-goal game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Maple Leafs' 5-3 win.

But it’s also because five of my so-called sure things have been varying degrees of disappointments. Today, let’s run through those five teams I believed in back in October and rank them based on how close they are to reclaiming a spot in my top five.

Matthew Knies had two goals and an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs held on late to down the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 on Monday night.

As the Blue Jackets hit the road for eight of their next nine games, we reflect on Zach Werenski's current 18-game home points streak.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak will miss Saturday's game against the Detroit Red Wings due to an undisclosed injury. He left Thursday's matchup against Anaheim after just 34 seconds of ice time after sustaining the injury.

The Leafs last game was at home on January 20 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, which Toronto won by a score of 5-3 in regulation. The Leafs have a record of 30-16-2 for a 0.646 Points %. The Columbus Blue Jackets last played away on January 20 against the New York Islanders.

Leafs star Mitch Marner is in the midst of one of his best seasons, and the 27-year-old was the catalyst of a 5-3 victory over the Lightning.

The Blue Jackets are not going to sell at the upcoming NHL trade deadline, including on pending free agents like Ivan Provorov.

BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets after Matthew Knies' two-goal game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Maple Leafs' 5-3 win. Toronto has a 19-9-0 record at home and a 30-16-2 record overall. The Maple Leafs have a +15 ...

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes scored five straight goals in the second period, and Frederik Andersen made 18 saves for his 300th NHL win, 7-4 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Lenovo Center on Thursday.