NHL: Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Picks and Odds | March 5, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Tue Mar 24, 2026, 6:11 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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We have two teams who used to be top teams, but not so much this year. The Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the New York Rangers at the World's Most Famous Arena. They played each other last way back in the beginning of the season and Toronto won 2-1.
New York is 23-29-8 this year and dead last in the Metro Division. Yes, I get much joy reporting that to you (lol). They come into this game off a loss to the Blue Jackets in overtime on Monday. The Rangers are 2-6-2 in their last ten games and 7-15-6 at home this season.
Very sad story at the garden this year. New York just unloaded their prize possession, Artemi Panarin, to the Los Angeles Kings. This was the clear sign that the team is headed for a rebuild because they are completely lost.
Naturally, they are struggling of both sides of the puck, so I went go into the stats. Goalie Igor Shesterkin is expected to get the start. He is 18-12-5 this season with a 2.42 GAA and a .912 save percentage. The Rangers bright spot for sure.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Toronto is losing hope for a playoff spot this year
Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews moves the puck in the offensive zone while Rangers forward JT Miller defends.
The Leafs are 2-24-10 this season and seventh in the Atlantic Division. They come into this game on a bad four-game losing streak after another loss to the Flyers in a shootout on Monday. Toronto is 3-6-1 in their last ten games and 11-14-3 on the road.
Another team going through a rough season. They rank better in the league on offense than the Rangers, but still not good. Especially for the fire power that they have – this offense should be cranking.
Their big problems come from a lack of defense and poor goaltending. They rank in the bottom of the league for goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game. New York commits almost four penalties per game and kill off 83% of their penalties.
In net, we're expected to see Igor Shesterkin. He is 18-12-5 this year with a 2.42 GAA and a .913 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Maple Leafs vs. Rangers picks.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers Betting Odds and Game Information
Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Betting Odds – March 5
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1.5 (-275) | +100 | Over 5.5 (-135) |
| New York Rangers | -1.5 (+200) | -120 | Under 5.5 (+115) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Game Information
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Date: Thursday March 5, 2026
- Puck Drop: 7 p.m. EST
- TV: MSG,
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers Picks and Prediction
Maple Leafs forwards Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews celebrate after scoring a goal vs. the Rangers.
Maple Leafs vs. Rangers Picks and Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline (+100) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
Even though neither team has anything to play for, it should still be a good one. Both teams will come to play, but the Leafs should take this one. They have a great offense when they click, and the Rangers are terrible at home.
I think the Leafs offense comes to play and peppers Shesterkin. Matthews and Nylander are both going to want to shine on the MSG stage. Taking Shesterkin for over his saves line as the Leafs should shoot a lot with plenty of opportunities.
The Rangers really have no identity right now with the exit of Panarin. It hasn't been long, but there is no one really to fill that void. Miller may wear the C, but he is definitely "not that guy bro".
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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