Any skepticism channeled toward the Rangers from dropping three of four contests last week was erased by back-to-back assertive victories.
After rolling over the lowly Ducks, the Blueshirts snagged an overtime decision in a key meeting with Boston, where Igor Shesterkin reclaimed his confidence by stopping 21 of 22 shots.
The former Vezina Trophy winner was reeling from three consecutive losses of four-goal deficits — one of which was a disastrous 7-3 home defeat to the Maple Leafs.
A sloppy first period featuring defensive lapses and bad bounces put the Rangers behind 4-1 before regripping the steering wheel in the second period.
The Rangers’ schedule grants it an expeditious redemption opportunity with Tuesday’s rematch in Toronto.
But the climb was too steep against Toronto’s high-octane game.
Rangers vs. Maple Leafs prediction
(7 p.m. ET.)
The Leafs just dismantled the Penguins, 7-0, and are scoring goals at the second-highest rate in hockey.
Toronto’s core lineup has been as good as ever with William Nylander potting nearly a point-and-a-half per night and Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews right behind him.
It takes fighting fire with fire to oust the Leafs this year, as opponents have needed to score a minimum of three goals in the 12 total regulation and overtime losses.
Artemi Panarin combats their offense as a top-five point collector with points in nine of his last 11 games. Both he and Chris Kreider are tied for ninth in goal-scoring.
On the reverse side, the Rangers have allowed no more than one goal a league-best 12 times this season.
Betting on the NHL?
The Leafs have been riddled with illnesses as Matthews was the latest to catch the flu bug, in addition to TJ Brodie and a handful of other players.
It didn’t prove to hinder them against Pittsburgh, but the Rangers have plenty of ammunition to take advantage of a juggling lineup and prove the last meeting was a fluke.
THE PLAY: Rangers (+100, BetMGM Sportsbook)
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