A pair of teams that each took the ice last night, the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs clash at Scotiabank Arena. The opening face-off takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 28, and fans at home are able to catch this Original Six matchup live on CBC Sports.
New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Odds
This contest’s moneyline and Over/Under odds have not been posted by bookmakers yet.
The Maple Leafs are 21-18 straight up (SU) and have disappointed moneyline bettors to the tune of -2.5 units so far. That win percentage, ranked second in the Atlantic Division so far in this young season, isn’t too far off from to what the team produced during last year’s regular season (46-36). Through 39 regular season matches, 20 of its games have gone over the total, while 16 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team is 10-8 SU at home this year.
Toronto’s been able to convert on 23.1 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 27th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 75.9 percent of all penalties.
As a team, Toronto has been penalized just 3.3 times per game overall this season, 3.6 per game over its past five contests total, and 3.0 per game over its last five at home. The team has had to kill penalties for just 7.6 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, in total.
Averaging 28.6 saves per game with a .916 save percentage, Frederik Andersen (19-11-3) has been the best option in goal for the Maple Leafs this year. If they decide to give him the night off, however, the team may turn to Michael Hutchinson (2-7-7 record, .883 save percentage, 4.03 goals against average).
Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner will both spearhead the attack for the Maple Leafs. Matthews (43 points) has tallied 24 goals and 19 assists and has recorded two or more points on 14 different occasions this year. Marner has 10 goals and 25 assists to his name and has notched a point in 20 contests.
On the other hand, New York is 18-19 straight up (SU) and has earned 3.5 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 20 of its matches have gone under the total, while 15 have gone over and just one has pushed. As the road team this season, New York is 8-9 SU.
New York has converted on 18.9 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 20th overall and it’s successfully killed off 79.1 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York’s players have been penalized 4.7 times per game this season, and 5.4 per game over their past five games. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays a whopping 14.6 minutes per game over their last five outings.
Henrik Lundqvist (.911 save percentage and 3.11 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for New York. Lundqvist is averaging 30.6 saves per game and owns a 9-13-3 record.
Artemi Panarin (21 goals, 27 assists) will lead the attack for the visiting Rangers.
New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Free Picks
Free NHL Tip: SU Winner – Maple Leafs, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- For both of these clubs, the over has hit in three of their last five matchups.
- New York has managed 30.4 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Toronto is averaging 35.4 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Penalties and power plays may prove to be critical tonight. The Rangers are 6-7 in games where they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 7-8 when they’re in the penalty box for fewer than 10 total minutes. The Maple Leafs are 8-6 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than the opposition and 16-14 when they’re in the box for less than 10 minutes.
- New York is 0-2 in games decided by a shootout this season while Toronto is 1-2 in shootouts.
- Toronto is ranked 12th overall with 7.7 takeaways per game. That figure has trended higher, as it has averaged 10.6 takeaways over its last 10 games and 12.0 takeaways over its last five.
- New York has created 7.6 takeaways per game over its last five road games, its season average of 8.3 takeaways per game (ranked 10th in the league).
