In this article, we will formulate a Rangers vs Maple Leafs prediction for this NHL game on Friday, February 28th at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers are 29-25-4 this year after they defeated the Islanders by a score of 5-1 in their last game. New York was tied at one in the first period, but they scored the last four goals in the game for the win. The Rangers were outshot by a total of 37-18, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Brodzinski (2), Miller, Rempe, and Vaakanainen, while Shesterkin stopped 36 out of 37 shots in the win.
Prior to that game, the Rangers defeated the Penguins by a score of 5-3 but did lose to the Sabres by a score of 8-2 before that. New York has won three of their last four games and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 62 points. New York has scored 3.03 goals per game and they have allowed 3.10 goals against per game, while also going 21.1% on the power play and 82.4% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 23 goals, 36 assists, and 167 shots on goal, while Mika Zibanejad has added 12 goals, 28 assists, and 128 shots on goal this year. Igor Shesterkin is 20-20-2 with a 2.93 goals against average and a .905 save percentage this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 36-20-2 this season after they defeated Boston in overtime by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Toronto trailed 3-0 in the second period and 4-3 in the third, but they were able to tie the game, before getting the win in overtime. The Maple Leafs were outshot by a total of 36-29, won 51.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Toronto got goals from Holmberg, Marner (2), Robertson, and Rielly, while Stolarz stopped 32 out of 36 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Maple Leafs defeated the Blackhawks by a score of 5-2 and the Hurricanes by a score of 6-3. Toronto has won six of their last seven games and they are currently battling with Florida for first in the Atlantic standings with 74 points. Toronto has scored 3.19 goals per game and they have allowed 2.85 goals against per game, while also going 23.1% on the power play and 79.2% on the penalty kill this season. Mitch Marner has led Toronto with 18 goals, 55 assists, and 131 shots on goal, while William Nylander has added 33 goals, 25 assists, and 190 shots on goal. Anthony Stolarz is 12-5-2 with a 2.23 goals against average and a .925 save percentage this year. The Maple Leafs will play the Penguins, Sharks, Golden Knights, and Avalanche next.
Why the Maple Leafs will beat the Rangers
- The Maple Leafs have won each of their last seven games after coming off overtime.
- The Rangers have lost seven of their last eight home games following a road win.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in each of their last eight night games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in nine of their last 10 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Maple Leafs have won the second period in each of their last six games as road favorites following an overtime win.
Total Goals Facts
- Ten of the Rangers’ last 11 night games against Atlantic Division opponents at Madison Square Garden have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Maple Leafs’ last four night games against opponents on a winning streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight Friday night games between teams from different divisions have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Maple Leafs’ last eight games at Madison Square Garden.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last three night games.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- J.T. Miller has scored a goal in six of his last seven appearances against the Maple Leafs.
- Vincent Trocheck has recorded at least one assist in each of his five previous appearances with his team as a home underdog against the Maple Leafs.
- Artemi Panarin has recorded at least one point in 18 of the Rangers’ last 19 games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- Auston Matthews has recorded at least one assist in each of the Maple Leafs’ last six road games.
- Auston Matthews has scored at least one goal in each of the Maple Leafs’ last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- John Tavares has recorded at least one point in each of the Maple Leafs’ last 10 Friday games against Eastern Conference opponents.
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Rangers vs Maple Leafs Prediction
Toronto comes into this matchup looking for their fourth win in a row, but they will be on the road here. The Maple Leafs are 16-9-2 on the road this year, while the Rangers are 14-12-2 at home. New York has won three of their last four games and they have some much-needed momentum, but each of their last two wins did come against the bottom two teams in the division. Both of these teams have been involved in higher scoring games recently, so we could see a good amount of goals on each side, but I am backing Toronto on the road here.