Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets have turned their 2025-26 matchups into must-watch hockey. Three games between them already feature dramatic overtime finishes that left fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams sit tied on 32 points, making every game critical for playoff positioning. These squads refuse to back down from each other, and honestly, the intensity just keeps rising.

The overtime battles that defined their season

On November 20, Cole Fantilli delivered a heartbreaker for Toronto fans. Fantilli scored the overtime winner after the Maple Leafs fought hard all game. John Tavares recorded two points for Toronto, but it wasn't enough to escape Columbus's pressure. The loss stung because Toronto had chances to finish things in regulation.

Six days later on November 26 William Nylander answered back with pure clutch. Nylander buried the overtime winner with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock. The Maple Leafs won 2-1 in a game that showcased both teams' competitive fire. Tavares contributed again, proving Toronto's top scorers step up when the pressure peaks. These two overtime thrillers reveal everything about both squads, they never quit, even when trailing (which is honestly impressive).

Star players who make the difference

William Nylander has become Toronto's overtime hero during this rivalry. His ability to find space and finish clutch goals makes opponents nervus in tight moments. John Tavares matches Nylander's consistency, recording points in multiple matchups against Columbus.

Cole Fantilli represents Columbus's rising talent. the young forward already makes an impact against playoff-contending teams like Toronto. zachary Werenski anchors the Blue Jackets' defense but struggles to stop Toronto's offensive threats. watching Fantilli versus Nylander in overtime situations tells the full story of where each team stands.

Where both teams stand in the playoff race

Both teams carry 32 points, but their paths differ significantly. Toronto boasts a 14-11-3 record with solid goal differential: 97 goals for and 93 against. Columbus sits at 13-12-5 with a concerning minus-12 differential (91 for, 103 against). That defensive weakness matters in playoff hockey. Toronto's scoring power combined with solid defense gives them an edge. Columbus's leaky defense could haunt them down the stretch unless they tighten up fast. Every remaining game between these teams could determine playoff seeding. Toronto's current advantage suggests they'll likely finish ahead, but Columbus has time to fix their issues.