New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions
The New York Rangers (21-7-1) meet the Toronto Maple Leafs (16-6-6) on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Rangers vs. Maple Leafs odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Rangers have picked up 3 victories in the past 4 games overall, including impressive wins over the Boston Bruins on the road last time out on Saturday (2-1 in OT), and home to the Los Angeles Kings on Dec. 10 (a 4-1 win). However, that lone setback was 7-3 against these Maple Leafs at MSG last Tuesday.
The Rangers have had some goaltending and defense issues, allowing 4 or more goals in 6 of the past 11 outings. The Rangers have cashed the Over at a 4-3 clip in the past 7 games at home.
The Maple Leafs embarrassed the Pittsburgh Penguins in Toronto last time out on Saturday by a 7-0 score, and the offense has tallied 19 goals in the past 3 games, while allowing 9 goals. The Over is 4-0 in the past 4 outings, and 7-1 in the past 8 games overall.
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Rangers at Maple Leafs odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:41 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Maple Leafs -122 (bet $122 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-240) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+195)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Rangers at Maple Leafs projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (11-7-0, 2.91 GAA, .904 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (5-1-5, 3.51 GAA, .878 SV%, 1 SO)
Shesterkin had been having an awful time lately, allowing 18 goals in his first 4 starts in December. However, he allowed just a single goal on 22 shots in a 2-1 OT road loss in Boston on Saturday, and he'll look to carry that momentum into this game. He allowed 6 goals on 29 shots against the Leafs last week.
Samsonov is looking to atone for an ugly outing last time out on Thursday against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets, allowing 6 goals on 35 shots in a 6-5 OTL. After an 18-save shutout against the Nashville Predators on Dec. 9, Samsonov has allowed 10 goals on 54 shots in a pair of OTLs.
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Rangers at Maple Leafs picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 5, Maple Leafs 3
Moneyline
The RANGERS (+102) will look to use Saturday's game as a springboard into this one. Since that 7-3 shellacking from the Maple Leafs (-122), New York has outscored Anaheim and Boston by a 7-2 count in 2 wins, tightening up the defense and goaltending significant.
Toronto has been playing video game hockey lately, with all kinds of offense, and shabby defense and goaltending. The wide-open play is fun, but maddening for bettors, and certainly anyone playing the Under. It's also not a winning combination over the long haul, especially against other talented teams.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Rangers +1.5 (-240) will cost you nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that's quite a bit of risk for a little bit of insurance. If you like New York, simply bet it straight up.
And while the Maple Leafs -1.5 (+195) are a tempting play for a chance to double up, especially since they smashed the Rangers in their place by 4 goals just last week, Toronto isn't the play. It has played in 10 one-goal games in the past 13 outings.
AVOID.
Over/Under
The OVER 6.5 (-108) might be the best play on the board in this rematch between Original Six teams.
The Over is on a 4-0 run for the Leafs, while going 7-1 in the past 8 games overall, including last week at MSG.
The Rangers have cashed the Under in 4 of the past 5 games, but the Over did hit in the 1st meeting with the Leafs by a comfortable margin, and they have allowed 4 or more goals in 6 of the past 11 games overall.
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