Analysis:
I'm playing on NYR. While they're admittely improved from years past, I feel that the Leafs are being given a little too much respect these days. Keep in mind that the Rangers were laying south of -200 each of the last two times that they hosted the Leafs. (NY won both games.)
Things haven't changed quite enough for such a drastic line change. The Leafs are still 9-12 on the road; the Rangers are still 13-8 at home. The Leafs are still 6-8 against teams with a winning record, the Rangers are still 14-6 against sub-500 teams.
Both teams have enjoyed an extended break, each last playing on 1/7. Thats noteworthy as the Leafs are 1-2 when playing with three or more day's rest while the Rangers are 2-0, winning 4-1 and 4-3.
Knowing they'll have a rematch against these same Leafs, at Toronto, in less than a week, the Rangers should be hungry to "hold serve" here. All things considered, the price could easily be higher. I'm backing NY.
Pick Made: Jan 13 2017 3:17AM PST