Rangers vs Devils: Rangers Take on Devils in Metropolitan Division Battle

• The New York Rangers have won seven of their last eight games.
• The New Jersey Devils are 2-2-1 in their previous five games.
• The Devils are 2-0-1 against the Rangers this season.

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Odds

Odds Taken from FanDuel Sportsbook

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Picks

• New Jersey Devils beat Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 
• New York Rangers cover
• Over 6.5 goals

Head-to-Head: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Predictions

The New York Rangers will travel to Newark, New Jersey, to face the Devils for the fourth and final time this season. This series has been back-and-forth, with the Devils winning the first game 5-3. The next game was a little closer, and the Rangers won 4-3 in overtime. The third game also went to overtime, but the Devils emerged victorious this time.

The Rangers made some big Trade Deadline deals and have pushed themselves into third place in the Metropolitan Division with 98 points. Even though they have clinched a Playoff spot, they can still move into second or first place with a late-season push. New York is only two points out of second place and five points out of third place. On the other side, the Devils are in second place in the Metropolitan Division. They have a slim two-point lead over the Rangers, so a win today is important.

The Rangers are playing excellent hockey in the second half of the season and have gone from a Wild Card team to a Stanley Cup contender. Offensively, they are just outside of the top ten. However, they are still producing at a consistent level and know how to score. Defensively, they are even better. The Rangers boast a top-five offense and only allow 2.68 goals per game. In addition, the Rangers also possess one of the most consistent netminders in the NHL in Igor Shesterkin. 

The Rangers are led by Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck, and Chris Kreider. These five do not all have the same skill sets or play the same positions, but they are all largely responsible for the Rangers’ success this season.

Igot Shesterkin will probably be the Rangers’ starting goalie tonight. Shesterkin has the second-most wins in the NHL (34) and allows less than 2.6 goals per game.

The Devils have put it all together this season. They missed the Playoffs last year, but have turned it around this year and put on a show. They score nearly 3.5 goals per game and allow less than 2.8. New Jersey is very well-rounded, which has played a prominent role in their success this season.

The Devils are led by Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Dougie Hamilton, and Jesper Bratt. Three of these four players are under 25 and will be the franchise's future.

Vitek Vanecek will likely get the start in net for the Devils. Vanecek is not excellent, but his play has been strong enough to put the Devils in one of the top positions in the NHL.

This will be an intense matchup and come down to the wire, but I would bet on the Devils to win it. New Jersey has home-ice advantage, has performed well against the Rangers this year, and is playing a little better lately.

Why Might the New York Rangers Win?

The Rangers are the underdogs but will win if they draw penalties and play aggressive defense.

The Rangers have a top ten power play unit and convert 22.7% of their opportunities. This unit has been instrumental to the Rangers’ success this season and must score a goal in this game. If they score, the Rangers will have a chance.

The Rangers are a great defensive team but are facing a great offensive team in the Devils They can slow down the Devils’ offense by playing aggressively and bringing a lot of energy in the first period.

Why Might the New Jersey Devils Win?

The Devils are the favorites but will win if they slow down Mika Zibanejad and limit the Rangers’ shots.

Mika Zibanejad is the Rangers’ leading scorer and an efficient shooter. He converts on over 16% of his shots, so the Devils’ defense must make him priority #1 and slow him down.

The Rangers shoot less than the Devils but are coming off 36 shot game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Devils cannot allow them to shoot that much this game and must hold them to 30 or fewer shots.

Rangers Key Players: (LW) Artemi Panarin

Artemi Panarin has been the Rangers’ top offensive player this season. He leads his team in points (84) and assists (59). More importantly, Panarin is coming off a one-goal, one-assist game. He must take the momentum from his previous game and bring it into this one. The winger will be the Rangers’ x-factor if he performs to his ability.

Devils Key Player: (LW) Jesper Bratt

Jesper Bratt is an obvious choice. The 24-year-old winger has 31 goals and 35 assists. Bratt is an efficient shooter and a strong passer. 

Bratt does not need to change anything going into this game. He must take advantage of the Rangers’ weaknesses and make them pay.

How to Watch New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils

• What - New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils 
• Where - Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
• When - Thursday, March 30, 7:00 PM EST
• How to Watch - NHLPP, ESPN+