Matthews records a pair of goals as Maple Leafs hang on to beat Blue Jackets | CBC Sports

Nick Ritchie scored his first goal in his 27th game in a Maple Leafs’ sweater late in the first period before 18,793 at Scotiabank Arena.

Marner was moved to the injured reserve list alongside defenceman Rasmus Sandin on Tuesday.

Marner was absent in weekend losses in Minnesota and Winnipeg. On Sunday, Sandin was injured after a knee-on-knee collision with Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk.

WATCH | Matthews, Tavares goals help Leafs hang on to beat Jackets:

Matthews, Tavares score 7 seconds apart as Leafs hang on for 5-4 win over Blue Jackets

Auston Matthews scored his second goal of the game seven seconds after John Tavares, and that turned out to be the game-winner as the Toronto Maple Leafs hung on for a 5-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. 1:38

The Leafs (18-7-2) also performed without forward Jason Spezza (suspension) and defencemen Travis Dermott (shoulder).

Spezza was levied a six-game banishment for his knee to the head of Pionk after his incident with Sandin.

The Maple Leafs promoted defencemen Alex Biega and Kristians Rubins and right-wing Alex Steeves to fill the roster vacancies. The 21-year-old Steeves of Bedford, N.H., and Rubins, a 23-year-old from Latvia, made their NHL debuts. They were free-agent signings last summer.

Nylander provided Toronto with an early 1-0 lead on the power play, resulting from swift puck movement from Rielly to Matthews to Nylander.

Matthews converted a stylistic through-the-legs pass from linemate Michael Bunting and Ritchie scored 1:22 later for a 3-0 lead.

WATCH | Leafs’ Campbell flashes leather with brilliant save vs. Jackets:

Jack Campbell makes miraculous glove save in Leafs’ win

Jack Campbell made 28 stops, including this incredible glove save, in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 5-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. 0:39

Matthews leads the Maple Leafs with 17 goals in 2021-22. He almost notched a hat trick but failed to tap home a pass from linemate Wayne Simmonds midway through the final period.

Bjorkstrand scored again early in the third period. Sean Kurlay added a goal off the rush with 3:35 remaining and Max Domi scored just before the final buzzer.

Campbell registered his league-leading 14th win. The Maple Leafs outshot the visitors 40-32.

The Blue Jackets (13-11-0) were without forward Patrik Laine, out with an oblique strain. They have now dropped five of their last six outings.