Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Rangers taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils
2024-25 Season Series: Panthers 1-2 Devils
U.S TV: MSGSN; Scripps Florida; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We open up NHL predictions with the Florida Panthers hoping to stop a two-game slide against the New Jersey Devils. Daniil Tarasov is expected to draw the start after Sergei Bobrovsky started the night before. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Florida is coming off a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, and injuries are starting to pile up. Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell are tied for first in points with five.
New Jersey is expected to go with Jake Allen in between the pipes. This is after Jacob Markstrom has been ruled out due to an injury. The Devils have won two consecutive games after dropping the season-opener. Jesper Bratt and Luke Hughes are sharing the team lead in points so far this campaign with four.
Florida is coming off a tough game in Detroit, and New Jersey is rested. The Devils should get the win.
Prediction: Devils win 4-2.
New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
2024-25 Season Series: Rangers 1-2 Maple Leafs
How to Watch:
U.S TV: MSG; Scripps Florida; ESPN+
Canada TV: TSN4
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Rangers visiting the Maple Leafs. The good news for the Blueshirts is that the game will be away from Madison Square Garden. However, the Rangers have to deal with a Maple Leafs team that can score goals. New York is 0-3 at home, but won both games on the road. Igor Shesterkin has been excellent this season with a 0.76 goals-against-average and a .972 save percentage. However, the Rangers have wasted his stellar performances. Adam Fox is the team’s leader in goals (3) and points (4) so far this season.
The Maple Leafs are projected to start Anthony Stolarz in the crease for this game. Toronto is coming off a 7-4 victory against the Nashville Predators. The Leafs have been inconsistent at times in the defensive end and will need to be steadier in that phase of the game. However, Toronto can put up goals when playing well. William Nylander leads the way in points with seven, while Auston Matthews is first in goals with three.
Shesterkin gives the Rangers a chance to win every game. However, the lack of offence will be a problem.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 3-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas Stars
2024-25 Season Series: Canucks 1-2 Stars
How to Watch:
U.S TV: Victory+; ESPN+
Canada TV: SN Pacific
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Vancouver Canucks taking on the Dallas Stars. Thatcher Demko is the projected starter for the Canucks, who have dropped the last two games. Vancouver has yet to register a power-play goal this season and is near the bottom in other offensive categories. Kiefer Sherwood is the surprise leader in goals (3) and points (3) so far for Vancouver.
Dallas is unbeaten and is likely to go with Jake Oettinger in the blue paint for this game. The Stars are off to a solid start with three consecutive victories. Mikko Rantanen, Thomas Harley, and Roope Hintz are all tied for the lead in points with five. Wyatt Johnston is the leading goal-scorer with three so far this campaign.
Vancouver has struggled to score, while Dallas is one of the better defensive teams in the league. The Stars should continue their hot start.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for tonight’s preferred props. The over/under for the Rangers and Leafs in a number of places is 6.5, and we like the under due to the quality of the goalies.
As for individual props, go with J.T. Miller to get an anytime goal for the Rangers. On the Maple Leafs side, take Nylander to get the over on 1.5 points in this one.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 16 New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.