The New York Rangers are home favorites in hockey betting on Friday as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is the home opener for the Rangers so you know they will want to come out with a big effort. New York is the pick in NHL hockey betting by gamblers at the Sbg global sportsbook.
Rangers 1-1 – The Rangers split their first two games on the road this season but one thing was clear, they can score. They scored 10 goals in the two games. The Rangers should have a better defense than they showed in the first two games as Henrik Lundquist is a solid goaltender.
Leafs Looking Better – Toronto started the season with two wins but both were at home. The question to answer is whether or not the Leafs are worth a wager when they are on the road. Toronto is definitely improved but winning against the Rangers in their home opener will not be easy.
Recent History – The Leafs and Rangers have split their last ten meetings overall. Last season the teams met four times and the Rangers took two of the three in NHL hockey betting. In the two games at New York it was all Rangers. New York won 7-2 and 5-1. The Rangers were heavily favored in hockey betting in both of those contests and they delivered easily. Both of those games went over the total. In the four meetings last season the teams averaged over six goals per game combined.
Schedule Favors New York – The Rangers have had some rest as they have not played since Monday when they were beaten by the Islanders. The Rangers have had plenty of time to get over that loss and get ready for the home opener. The Leafs played at Pittsburgh on Wednesday so at least they did have one day off before this Friday night contest against the Rangers. It is not always easy to lay the money in hockey but the Rangers are playing their home opener, they have rest and they are facing what is considered a below average Toronto team. The Leafs started the season well but they are still not considered to be as good as New York which means the Rangers should win this game on Friday night.