The Toronto Maple Leafs (17-14-4) visit the New York Rangers (16-13-4) Friday at Madison Square Garden for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Maple Leafs at Rangers: Projected starting goalies
Frederik Andersen vs. Alexandar Georgiev
Andersen owns a 2.51 goals against average and .920 save percentage in 28 games. The 30-year-old has been terrific on the road (.927 SV%). In his last road turn (Dec. 14 at Edmonton Oilers), Andersen bounced back from a shaky Dec. 12 start to turn aside 36 of 37 shots. He has registered a .932 SV% since Nov. 21.
Georgiev has posted a 2.72 GAA and .920 SV in 16 games (15 starts), but the 23-year-old Bulgarian netminder has logged a few clunkers since a hot start. After notching a .933 SV% over his first six games, Georgiev has had three games allowing five or more goals while posting a .913 SV%. He owns a .850 mark over his last two games.
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Maple Leafs at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Toronto 4, New York 2
Moneyline (ML)
Toronto has been the sharper team over the last week. The Leafs have exhibited a bit more offensive firepower and consistency of late, and they have a more solid and well-rounded puck possession base. Posting a few three-goal wins away from home the last two weeks has been impressive.
The Maple Leafs are 8-4 since Sheldon Keefe took over behind the bench for the fired Mike Babcock.
Take the MAPLE LEAFS (-167) on the moneyline.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The New York power play has struggled since posting decent numbers through the first month of the season. The Rangers have 10 goals over their last 62 chances with an extra skater (16.1%). Andersen has been outstanding in 5-on-5 play.
The Rangers are 3-5 ATS over their last eight games. I’ll play TORONTO (-1.5, +155). The Leafs have a big advantage in recent puck-possession analytics and a favorable goaltending matchup.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS on the Under 6.5 (-139). There’s no good value/probability on either side.
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