Rangers vs. Maple Leafs Prediction: New York Has Value as Road Underdogs

The New York Rangers visit Scotiabank Arena to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday night. 

New York will be without center Ryan Strome and right wing Kappo Kakko, and Toronto will be without goalie Petr Mrazek (groin), right wing Ilya Mikheyev, and possibly defenseman Jacob Muzzin as well.

Not all of the injury news is bad though, as center Auston Matthews makes his return to the ice for the Maple Leafs. Matthews is currently at +850 on WynnBET Sportsbook to win the Hart Trophy at season’s end, and his 41 goals in 52 games in the shortened 2020-21 season are a big reason why he has the third-shortest odds.

Jack Campbell (2-0, 0.86 GAA, .968 SV%) should be in between the pipes tonight. Head coach Sheldon Keefe should ride the hot goaltender against the Rangers at home.

The same should apply for New York head coach Gerard Gallant. Goalie Igor Shesterkin (1-0-1, 1.98 GAA, .931 SV%) has looked more capable in net and saved 31 of 32 shots on net in the 3-1 road victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

Here are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Rangers vs. Maple Leafs Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Rangers +163
• Maple Leafs -183

Puck Line:

• Rangers +1.5 (-145)
• Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125)

Total:

6 (Over -110/Under -110)

Rangers vs. Maple Leafs Prediction and Pick

The Rangers must play a more disciplined game against the Maple Leafs. They cannot take penalties and give the Maple Leafs the man advantage on the Power Play. Especially, with Matthews returning to man the top Power Play unit.

New York has become more disciplined as the season has progressed, and I expect them to make sure they don’t find their players sitting in the penalty box too often tonight.

The Rangers Power Play unit has some firepower as well, with Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Alexis LaFreniere, and reigning Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox on the point.

With a goalie trending up in Shesterkin, and a unit beginning to jell, I like New York to spoil Matthews season debut in Toronto.

I’m taking the Rangers on the moneyline at +163.