Let's get into my Maple Leafs vs. Rangers predictions and NHL picks.
We have an Original Six matchup as the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the New York Rangers, both teams who are looking to sell come time for the NHL Trade Deadline.
The Maple Leafs are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5 (-130o / 110u). The Maple Leafs are a -110 favorite to win outright, while the Rangers are -110 to pull off the upset.
Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Odds, Pick
| Maple Leafs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -225 | 5.5 -135o / 114u | +114 |
| Rangers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +185 | 5.5 -135o / 114u | -135 |
- Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Spread: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+185), Rangers +1.5 (-225)
- Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Over/Under: 5.5 (-135o / +114u)
- Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Moneyline: Maple Leafs +114, Rangers -135
Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Preview
Toronto Maple Leafs
We may see some tired legs from the Maple Leafs, who enter this contest on the second half of a back-to-back. That certainly will not help an offense that has lacked jump this season.
Entering this matchup, Toronto ranks 25th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). The good news for the Maple Leafs is that Joseph Woll is slated to start between the pipes.
Through 27 starts this season, Woll is 13-9-4 with a .907 save percentage and a 2.85 goals-against average. That success could continue against the New York Rangers, a team Woll is 1-0 against in his career with a .917 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average.
There were just five total goals scored in that outing.
New York Rangers
A similar low-scoring affair is possible on Thursday. While Woll has played well in net, the Rangers are expected to start one of the best goaltenders in the world, Igor Shesterkin.
Shesterkin is putting together another strong season, posting an 18-12-5 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average through 36 starts. Like Woll, Shesterkin has a strong track record against Thursday’s opponent, albeit with a larger sample size.
Through 13 career meetings with Toronto, Shesterkin owns a .914 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average.
Another similarity in this matchup is poor offensive play.
Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Prediction
This season, New York ranks 29th in xGF/60. Due to their inability to generate high-danger scoring chances, the Rangers rank 26th in goals scored per game and 27th in shooting percentage.
Both goaltenders are capable of containing these struggling offenses.
Finally, the under has cashed in three of the past four meetings between these teams.
Pick: Under 6 (-110 at BetMGM | Play to -115)
