New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils Prediction: Back the Rangers
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils Prediction: Back the Rangers
Following an action-packed trade deadline that saw multiple contenders make major additions to their rosters, Tuesday's slate will provide an opportunity for teams to showcase their new players. With 22 teams in action, it should be an entertaining night of NHL hockey. Let's dive in.
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New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils Prediction
The Rangers (40-18-5) didn't participate in any blockbusters on Monday, but they did acquire three potential contributors without sacrificing any of their top prospects or first round picks. Andrew Copp, whom they acquired from the Jets for a package of two second round picks and Morgan Barron, is expected to slot in on New York's third line. Their other two additions, Tyler Motte and Justin Braun, could both make their Ranger debuts by filling spots on the fourth line and third defensive pairing, respectively. With a reinvigorated bottom-six, New York will look to build on the momentum they gained over the weekend against Tampa Bay and Carolina. The Blueshirts have won four of their last five, and won't want to slip here against an inferior opponent.
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New Jersey (22-35-5) avoided the trading frenzy leading up to the deadline. Their only move of note was acquiring goaltender Andrew Hammond from Montreal in exchange for AHL forward Nate Schnarr. The Devils were unable to find a suitor for P.K. Subban and his $9 million cap hit, and decided not to move Pavel Zacha, Damon Severson, or Andreas Johnsson, all of whom were named in trade rumors over the past couple of weeks. With just 49 points in 65 games, New Jersey's season is all but over. They've lost three straight and will fight to avoid a fourth against New York tonight.
Given that Alexandar Georgiev started for the Rangers on Sunday, Hart candidate Igor Shesterkin is expected to start against the Devils. Shesterkin has saved 32.6 goals above expected this season, which leads the NHL. On the other side, Nico Daws will likely start for the Devils. He has allowed 3.3 more goals than expected in 14 games played. Needless to say, the Rangers have a massive edge in goal.
New York also has a significant advantage in terms of special teams. They boast the league's second-best power play, one that has converted 26.3% of its chances. New Jersey, by contrast, has the 27th ranked power play (17.7% conversion rate). The Rangers have a slightly better penalty kill (8th vs. 11th), which should be good enough to stifle the Devils' woeful PP. With each penalty that is called in this game, the arrow will point a bit more in New York's direction.
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The main knock against the Rangers this season has been their inability to control possession and scoring chances at even strength, especially against quality opponents. Luckily for them, the Devils are... not that. New York defeated them in each of the first two meetings between the clubs this season, including a 3-1 victory two weeks ago in which the Rangers thoroughly dominated. With a few solid depth additions to go along with a fair amount of star-power and the best goaltender in the world, the Rangers will be a strong team moving forward. I like them to continue their winning ways against a struggling opponent—bet them down to -160 on the moneyline.
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils Pick
- Pick: Rangers ML (-150) (Bet $150 to win $100)