New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions for Thursday, October 22, 2026

New York gets another chance to put its road troubles behind it Thursday against Toronto. The Rangers visit the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, with puck drop at 7:00 pm ET on ESPN+. New York beat Anaheim 5-2 on Monday and enters at 7-3-1, second in the Metropolitan Division with 15 points. Toronto is 5-4-2, tied for fourth in the Atlantic with 12 points. The Leafs have won two straight, most recently beating Columbus 6-2 on Tuesday. Both teams have reasons to feel better, but neither can afford careless play near the net. Explore more matchups with our free NHL picks.

New York Wants a Better Night Away From Home

The Rangers had plenty to smile about Monday after beating Anaheim, but getting back on the road raises a question. Before that victory, they were beaten badly in New Jersey and couldn't find a goal against Columbus. Both games showed what happens when New York can't settle into the attacking zone. The Rangers have also beaten Tampa Bay and Vancouver this month. Against Toronto, a patient forecheck and hard work along the boards could help them stay in control rather than chase the game.

Alexis Lafreniere has been finishing chances for New York. His seven goals also make him the team leader with 13 points. Adam Fox leads in assists with 10, while Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice against Anaheim. Goaltender Dylan Garand enters with a 4-2-1 record and a .929 save percentage. That gives New York room to play a careful game, especially with its penalty kill stopping 94.1% of opposing opportunities. Toronto's power play will make that discipline important.

Injuries: Igor Shesterkin and Joe Veleno are on long-term injured reserve. Joonas Korpisalo, Aidan Thompson and Adam Sykora are on injured reserve.

Toronto Has Found More Goals Lately

The Leafs had a miserable stretch against Utah, Buffalo and the Islanders, but things changed after wins over San Jose and Columbus. Against San Jose, they kept the opposition quiet. Columbus was a different night, with Toronto scoring six and finding some rhythm up front. The challenge is putting those performances together. The Maple Leafs can't assume they'll get the same open looks against New York. They'll need to win battles in the corners, keep pucks moving near the blue line and make life uncomfortable in front of Garand.

Auston Matthews has been doing just about everything Toronto needs from its top scorer. He leads the team in points, goals and assists, with 18 points, eight goals and 10 helpers. William Nylander gives opposing defenses another dangerous player to account for. Toronto has converted 27.5% of its power plays, so chances with an extra skater are valuable. Sergei Bobrovsky has a 2-3-2 record and .902 save percentage. The Leafs need to protect their crease, where New York can take advantage of loose pucks.

Injuries: Jake McCabe is day-to-day. John Tavares, Dakota Joshua, Miles Wood and Chris Tanev are on injured reserve.

Key To The Game

Toronto's power play has been strong, while New York's penalty kill has been even stronger. The Rangers will want to stay out of the box and force Toronto to create chances during regular shifts.

New York vs Toronto Game Pick

• New York Rangers

Toronto has rediscovered its scoring touch, but New York has the better recent record and a dependable goaltender in Garand. The Rangers can keep this close by staying disciplined and making Toronto work for space near the net. Lafreniere is finding goals, and Fox can help move the puck out of trouble. The Leafs will have their chances, but New York will handle pressure and win a close road game.

New York vs Toronto Over/Under Pick

• Under

Toronto's latest win was full of goals, but the Rangers have shown they can make games difficult for opposing forwards. Garand has played well, and New York's penalty killing offers protection against Toronto's dangerous power play. Neither team needs to rush every possession. A battle for pucks along the boards and fewer clean looks in front could keep scoring in check. This matchup will finish under Thursday night in Toronto.