The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their quest for the playoffs as they prepare to face the New York Rangers on February 28, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. This matchup is pivotal, with the Maple Leafs sitting atop the Atlantic Division and the Rangers fighting for their playoff lives. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on NHL Network.
Currently, the Leafs hold a record of 36 wins, 20 losses, and 2 overtime losses, making them strong contenders with momentum on their side. They have been particularly impressive on this road trip, coming off six wins out of their last seven games. Captain John Tavares commented on the importance of staying focused during this challenging stretch of 11 out of 13 games on the road.
For Toronto, star forward William Nylander is expected to play after recovering from minor concerns related to his wrist. He’s had quite the season so far, leading the Leafs with 33 goals and 58 points over 58 games. His performance could be key against the Rangers, who have struggled defensively this season, allowing 180 goals across their games, significantly impacting their chances of making the postseason.
Adding to the intrigue of this matchup is the absence of Chris Tanev from the Maple Leafs’ lineup due to an upper-body injury sustained last game. Tanev is known for his defensive prowess and his ability to block shots, making his loss felt particularly hard. Auston Matthews spoke highly of him, noting his importance by saying, "He is such a big part of this team with the role he plays on the backend and the minutes he eats up against the other team’s top players." Tanev's position will be taken up by Philippe Myers.
On the other side of the ice, the Rangers will also be dealing with their own injury issues. Adam Fox is confirmed out, and Chris Kreider’s status for the game is still uncertain. Head coach Peter Laviolette emphasized the importance of stepping up, stating, "We are going to have to make sure we are playing defensively... Toronto certainly fits the situation" when considering the high-caliber players they will be facing.
Looking at the head-to-head stats, Toronto bested the Rangers earlier this season with a 4-1 win back in October, but New York has rebounded recently with strong performances. The Rangers are coming off two consecutive victories, buoyed by their goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s improved form after struggling earlier this season with worse-than-usual save percentages.
The matchup is set to be intense, with the Leafs aiming to maintain their dominant scoring presence, especially the dynamic duo of Matthews and Marner, who combined account for 73 points. Matthews reflected on the challenge of facing Shesterkin, stating, "He’s extremely athletic and anticipates the play and pucks very well. It is always a challenge."
Statistically, the Leafs have the upper hand, leading four out of five defensive categories, whereas the Rangers hold the advantage offensively. With top offensive players colliding against what could be shaky defensive forms, both teams anticipate the game to be highly competitive.
To exacerbate the layers of this matchup, betting stats reveal the Leafs coming to this weekend as tip favorites at -120 against the Rangers, who are positioned as +100 underdogs. Analysts expect the scoring to be lower than typical, forecasting fewer than 6.5 goals total for the game.
Key players remain optimistic about their roles. Ryan Reaves expressed excitement about returning to New York, commenting, “It’s going to be fun,” and adding he looks forward to facing his former team. He acknowledges the significance of the matchup not just for its playoff ramifications but because it brings out the best rivalry spirit.
Meanwhile, Auston Matthews shared insights on maintaining momentum after competitive play, emphasizing the need for consistency from the team to secure victories against formidable opponents such as the Rangers. "We want to keep the momentum going," he stated, reflecting on the need for sustained effort regardless of individual goal-scoring streaks.
Further contributing to the excitement, it is also noteworthy how the compared dynamics of both teams significantly vary across each game; the Leafs statistically excel at maintaining control of the puck and scoring, with recent stats reflecting averages of 3.16 goals per game, compared to the Rangers’ struggle to hold off high-scoring teams.
Tonight's matchup has all the makings of a playoff atmosphere, underscored not just by the stakes, but by the historical rivalry between these two Original Six teams. With so much on the line, expect fireworks on the ice, and perhaps some key players stepping up when it counts the most. Both teams are coming off pivotal wins and seek to build on their respective successes as they close the deal on regular-season standings.
Anticipated are high-action plays, strategic matchups, and passionate performance; all signs mark this show-stopping American Hockey League faceoff as one not to miss. With so many narrative threads, tonight’s game is positioned to be memorable for players and fans alike.