As the New Jersey Devils gear up to face off against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, the excitement around the betting community is palpable.
With the Devils favored on the moneyline, it’s time to dive into why New Jersey is not just a solid pick but a smart one for those looking to cash in on this rivalry matchup.
Before we get to our picks, you should check out our NHL Betting page, which answers any questions you may have about it.
First, let’s discuss the Devils’ offensive firepower. New Jersey has been lighting up the scoreboard lately, and their top two lines are a big reason why.
The Devils are currently ranked in the top-10 for goals per game, averaging 3.48 goals.
With players like Nico Hischier leading the charge, who has 15 goals this season and is riding a hot streak with seven points in his last five games, the Rangers’ defense is in for a long night.
Hischier isn’t the only one making waves; Jack Hughes is also a key player to watch. With 30 points this season, Hughes has been a playmaking machine, dishing out 21 assists.
His ability to set up his teammates for high-quality shots is crucial. This should come in handy against a Rangers team that has struggled to contain opposing offenses.
The Devils’ power play is also on fire, scoring at a 33.7% clip, which is the best in the NHL. This means they’re likely to capitalize if they get even a couple of chances with the man advantage.
On the other side of the ice, the Rangers have shown some signs of life after snapping a five-game losing streak. The win against the Canadiens swung the momentum back in their favor.
However, they still sit fourth in the Metropolitan Division and have been inconsistent throughout the season.
Their recent victory was a much-needed boost, but it’s worth noting that they’ve allowed an average of 2.83 goals per game, which ranks them in the lower half of the league.
This defensive vulnerability could be exploited by a Devils team that is hungry for a win after a tough loss to the Capitals.
With their top two lines generating scoring chances, a potent power play, and a Rangers team that has shown defensive frailties, it’s hard to see anything but a Devils victory.
So, if you want to place a bet, keep your eyes on New Jersey as they aim to extend their success against the Rangers.
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The Rangers’ goaltending situation is also a concern. Igor Shesterkin, who has been the backbone of their defense, has a 2.93 goals against average this season.
While he’s capable of making highlight-reel saves, the pressure from the Devils’ relentless attack could lead to some breakdowns. If New Jersey can pepper him with shots early and often, it could spell trouble for the Rangers.
Moreover, the Devils have been strong on the road, and their recent form shows they’re not backing down from any challenge.
They’ve won nine of their last 14 games, and even though they dropped a close one to the Capitals, their overall performance in November was impressive.
On the other hand, the Rangers have been inconsistent, and their recent win doesn’t erase the fact that they’ve struggled to maintain momentum.
Regarding special teams, the Devils’ power play is a significant advantage.
They’ve been converting at a high rate, and the Rangers’ penalty kill is not as effective as it should be. This could be a game where New Jersey capitalizes on their opportunities.
The Rangers have allowed seven power-play goals in their last seven games, a glaring weakness that the Devils will undoubtedly look to exploit.
Finally, let’s not forget the psychological edge. The Devils have a strong rivalry with the Rangers, and games like these often come down to who wants it more.
New Jersey has shown they can rise to the occasion, and with their current form, they’ll be looking to make a statement against their Hudson River rivals.
While the Devils most likely come out victorious in this one, it should be a low-scoring game. The oddsmakers have put a 6.5 goal total for this game.
That feels like a high total. This one feels like a classic under. I think the Devils win 4-2 and would recommend betting Under 6.5 goals in this one.
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About the Author
Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball when he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accounting. He leverages this expertise to provide insightful betting analysis for all sports, identifying value based on overlooked factors.
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