Tonight, an exciting matchup unfolds in the NHL as the Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the New York Rangers. The game promises to be notable, particularly for fans of both teams, as it features the Leafs following an impressive 7-4 victory against the Nashville Predators earlier this week.
Despite Matthew Knies’ recent success, consistently registering at least three shots on goal in his last three outings, he remains an enticing betting prospect at +145 to surpass 2.5 shots against the Rangers. The Leafs, known for their offensive prowess, have been averaging 34 shots in their previous two games, making it essential for them to capitalize on opportunities against Rangers’ goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who has showcased remarkable numbers this season with a .972 save percentage and a 0.76 goals-against average in four games.
Knies has been highlighted as one of the standout forwards for Toronto, showcasing a relentless work ethic and an ability to create chances in tight areas, positioning him as a key player to watch. With a solid 75% hit rate on his shot prop while playing on the top line and participating on the first power play unit, betting on Knies to go over 2.5 shots seems a savvy choice.
In addition to Knies, bettors might want to consider a same-game parlay that includes Anthony Stolarz going over 23.5 saves. The Leafs’ defense has been known to yield a fair number of shots, and with the Rangers averaging over 30 shots per game, it’s likely that Stolarz will face a busy night. Also, John Tavares is expected to record a point, particularly after his three-point effort against Nashville. Tavares has a strong track record against the Rangers, adding further optimism for his performance.
The odds set the Maple Leafs as -145 favorites, while the Rangers sit at +125. Historically, the Leafs have performed well against the Rangers, winning six of the last eight encounters. Tonight’s game takes place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on MSG and TSN4. As the puck drops, fans are eager to witness what could be another thrilling chapter in this productive rivalry.