The New York Rangers (44-20-10) visit the New Jersey Devils (46-20-8) Thursday. Puck drop from Prudential Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Devils odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Rangers enter play on a 3-game win streak, with 2 of those victories on the road. New York has won 7 of the past 8 outings and has picked up at least 1 point in 10 of its last 11 games (9-1-1).
The Devils were blasted 5-1 Monday night on the road against the New York Islanders and are just 2-4-2 in the past 8 games. New Jersey remains 3 points behind the Carolina Hurricanes for 1st place in the Metropolitan Division with 8 games to play, and the Canes have a game in hand.
Rangers at Devils odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:47 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Devils -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-220) | Devils -1.5 (+175)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +102 | U: -122)
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Rangers at Devils projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (34-12-7, 2.54 GAA, .914 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Vitek Vanecek (29-10-4, 2.50 GAA, .909 SV%, 3 SO)
Shesterkin is confirmed to be between the pipes Thursday. He allowed just 2 goals on 30 shots against the Columbus Blue Jackets last time out on Tuesday and has won 7 of the past 8 starts. He is 8-2-0 with a 2.08 GAA and .931 SV% with a shutout in 10 starts in March.
Shesty is 1-1-1 with a 3.61 GAA and .899 SV% in 3 starts against the Devils this season.
Vanecek allowed 3 goals on 34 shots in the loss against the Islanders last time out. The 27-year-old netminder is 4-4-1 with a 3.06 GAA and .892 SV% with a shutout in 8 starts and 9 appearances in March.
Vanecek is 2-0-1 with a 3.25 GAA and .895 SV% in 3 outings against the Blueshirts this season.
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Rangers at Devils picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 3, Devils 2
Moneyline
The RANGERS (+115) are a solid play as short ‘dogs on the quick jaunt across the Hudson River to Newark. The Devils have been skidding hard, and New York has climbed to within just 2 points of New Jersey for 2nd place in the Metro.
New York has won 7 of the past 8 games overall, is 4-1 in its last 5 on the road, and 5-1 in the past 6 games inside the Metropolitan Division.
Puck line/Against the spread
The Rangers +1.5 (-220) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return if you want some insurance and can’t bring yourself to play them straight up.
PASS, and just bet New York on the moneyline.
Over/Under
The UNDER 6.5 (-122) might be the best play on the board.
The Under has cashed at a 3-0-1 clip in the past 4 road games for the Rangers and is 5-1-1 in their last 7 games against teams with a winning overall record. The Under is also 4-1 in their past 5 games inside the Metro.
It’s all about the Over recently for the Devils, although the Under is 3-2 in their last 5 games at home.
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