Rangers vs Maple Leafs Prediction & Odds - 2/28/2025

The surging Toronto Maple Leafs (36-20-2) bring their three-game winning streak to Madison Square Garden as they face the New York Rangers (29-25-4) in what promises to be a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup on Friday night.

Toronto's high-powered offense, averaging 3.19 goals per game and led by the dynamic trio of Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares, has been particularly impressive with 16 goals in their last three contests.

The Rangers, who have found their rhythm with two consecutive victories, counter with their own offensive weapons in Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, who have combined for 35 goals and 64 assists this season.

While the Maple Leafs boast one of the league's stingiest defenses allowing just 2.84 goals per game, the Rangers have struggled defensively, surrendering 3.10 goals per contest despite strong performances from goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin.

This matchup features two teams heading in positive directions, with Toronto looking to strengthen their Atlantic Division lead while the Rangers aim to solidify their wild card positioning.

As these Original Six rivals prepare to face off at the Garden, both teams' recent offensive surges suggest fans could be in for an entertaining, high-scoring affair that could have significant playoff implications in the Eastern Conference race.

New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs preview

An exciting Eastern Conference showdown is set to unfold at Madison Square Garden as the surging Toronto Maple Leafs (36-20-2) face off against the New York Rangers (29-25-4) in what promises to be a high-scoring affair.

The Maple Leafs enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak and currently sit atop the Atlantic Division, showcasing their offensive prowess with an impressive 3.19 goals per game and 16 goals in their last three outings.

Toronto's dynamic duo of Mitch Marner and William Nylander, along with veteran John Tavares, have been instrumental in their success, combining for a remarkable 73 goals and 107 assists this season.

The Rangers, meanwhile, have found their rhythm with two consecutive victories and are making a push for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, led by the explosive combination of Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, who have contributed 35 goals and 64 assists between them.

In net, the goaltending matchup features Toronto's Anthony Stolarz, who has been exceptional with a .926 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against average, against Rangers' stalwart Igor Shesterkin, who maintains a respectable .906 save percentage despite facing heavy shot volumes.

The Maple Leafs' defensive unit, anchored by Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly, has been particularly stingy, allowing just 2.84 goals per game, while the Rangers have struggled defensively, conceding 3.10 goals per game despite strong performances from Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren.

Special teams could play a crucial role in this matchup, with Toronto converting 23.13% of their power play opportunities and the Rangers not far behind at 21.09%.

With both teams featuring high-powered offenses and the over/under set at 6.5 goals, fans at Madison Square Garden can expect an entertaining, fast-paced contest between two teams with playoff aspirations.

While the odds slightly favor Toronto at -152, the even distribution of win probability at 50-50 according to advanced metrics suggests this could be anyone's game, though the Maple Leafs' superior defensive numbers might give them the edge in what should be a closely contested battle.