The final second-round ticket will be punched when the New Jersey Devils host the New York Rangers in Game 7 Eastern Conference First Round on Monday.
The Rangers, left for dead by their long-suffering fan base after three straight losses, got off the mat with a 5-2 victory in Game 6 on Saturday night. Chris Kreider had three points, including his sixth goal of the series, Mika Zibanejad and Vladimir Tarasenko each had one goal and one assist, while Igor Shesterkin made 34 saves for the Rangers.
Akira Schmid made 24 saves but was pulled in the third period. Dawson Mercer and Curtis Lazar each scored for New Jersey, which fell for the first time since Game 2.
Here’s the outlook for the win-or-go-home Game 7 between New York and New Jersey.
Devils vs Rangers Game 7 Odds
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Saturday, April 29, at 11:30 p.m. ET, and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Devils (-115) • Rangers (-105)
- Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+225) • Rangers +1.5 (-265)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (+105) • Under 5.5 (-125)
Devils vs Rangers Game 7 Prediction
Rangers 4, Devils 1
We’d all feel cheated if this series ended before Game 7, right? New Jersey and New York have twice played seven-game series, and the Rangers are 2-0. Each win came at MSG: 8-4 in the first round in 1992 and 2-1 in double-OT in the 1994 Eastern Conference Final.
The young Devils had their opportunity to close out the Rangers in Game 6. They scored first on Lazar’s goal and were seconds from taking a one-goal lead into the room before Kreider woke up the crowd and New York’s dormant power play at 19:35.
It was all downhill from there, and now the questions, which had so dogged the Rangers, turn to New Jersey. Schmid, who allowed just two goals between Games 3-5 and was excellent in a 4-0 shutout win in Game 5 in New Jersey, looked leaky with rebounds and was replaced by Vítek Vaněček after allowing the fifth goal to Braden Schneider at 12:28 of the third.
Can New Jersey’s slumping scorers, notably Nico Hischier (31 regular-season goals, 0 in playoffs), Timo Meier (40 goals, 0 points in series), Jesper Bratt (32 goals, 0 in series), and Tomáš Tatar (20 goals, 0 in series) give New Jersey an offensive boost? The Devils still have just 13 goals in the series and only 11 against Shesterkin.
Plus, the Rangers eat up Game 7’s, especially on the road. New York won two win-or-go-home games a season ago and is 8-1 in its past nine Game 7’s, including three straight Game 7 victories away from MSG dating back to 2009.
Devils vs Rangers Game 7 Best Bets
Under 5.5 Goals (-125) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 2 Units
Shesterkin is arguably the game’s best goalie and has been lights-out in elimination games in his young career. He is 6-2 with a .934 save percentage in games the Rangers can be eliminated, with all six victories coming over the past two seasons.
Despite a glitchy performance in Game 6, Schmid has been great too, still boasting the second-best save percentage among playoff goalies with more than one start (.937). He should rebound and be good in Game 7, as should the Devils defense, which did not surrender a shot after Schmid was pulled.
The Rangers have scored five goals in each of their three wins, but that trend isn’t likely to continue, especially in the do-or-die game, barring a slew of empty-netters. This should be close and low scoring, likely 1-1, in the third period before the team that wins pulls away late.
Take a low-scoring Game 7 as my NHL bet of the day.
Rangers ML (-105) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
There’s been a lot of talk about playoff experience in this series, and I haven’t bought into it entirely. But gaining experience closing out a team is essential, and it’s hard to overstate the importance of Shesterkin and the Rangers’ success in do-or-die games.
I picked Devils in six because I felt if the series went seven Shesterkin would steal it. He is 2-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .938 save percentage in Game 7s, with both coming last year.
The Devils have played like the better team for stretches in this series, but they suddenly have goaltending questions, and New York has Shesterkin. That’s reason enough to pick the Rangers.
Devils vs Rangers Game 6 Preview
The New Jersey Devils can close out the rival New York Rangers in Game 6 of the Round 1 Eastern Conference matchup at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
New Jersey has won three straight, pulling off a stunning about-face after dropping the series’ first two games by a combined score of 10-2. The Devils have outscored the Rangers 9-2 over the past three games, sending New York to the brink with a thoroughly convincing 4-0 in Game 5 on Thursday.
Igor Shesterkin did his best to keep New York afloat, stopping 39 shots in Game 5. The Rangers’ power play once again was shut down and is in the midst of an 0-for-13 drought, but New York is 5-1 when facing elimination over the past two seasons, including 3-0 in games at MSG.
Here’s the Game 6 outlook for New York and New Jersey.
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Friday, April 28, at 1 p.m. ET, and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-125) • Devils (+105)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+195) • Devils +1.5 (-230)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (+100) • Under 5.5 (-120)
Devils vs Rangers Game 6 Prediction
Devils 3, Rangers 1
The Devils have thoroughly outplayed the listless Rangers in each of the previous two games, both at MSG in Game 4 and Prudential Center in Game 5. I have no reason to believe they won’t continue that dominance Saturday.
It’s entirely possible the Rangers score first and get the crowd engaged, potentially on the power play, and Shesterkin does what he does in elimination games. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is 5-2 with a .927 save percentage in his career in elimination games and boasts a .929 save percentage in three elimination games at MSG.
But even if it does all that, can New York even muster a sustained offensive attack against Akira Schmid and the Devils’ defense? Schmid has only faced 82 shots in three games plus half an OT period in Game 3, and the Rangers haven’t scored more than one goal in each of the past three games after striking for 10 in the first two.
Look for the Devils to play another stifling game, unbreak the tie in the third period, and seal the series with an empty-net goal.
Devils vs Rangers Game 6 Best Bets
Under 5.5 Goals (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 2 Units
The Under still is unbeaten after Schmid’s 23-save shutout in Game 5, though New York’s 23-game streak of surrendering three goals or fewer died a cruel death when Erik Haula hit the empty net for his second goal of the game.
There are a few scenarios where the Over could hit, notably if the Rangers get desperate and the Devils strike for multiple empty-net goals. But even after allowing three goals Thursday, Shesterkin has been incredible in the series — he leads all goalies in 5-on-5 goals-saved above average (4.85) and is second behind Schmid in save percentage among qualifying goalies (.938)
Take another low-scoring game between New York and New Jersey in Game 6 as our NHL bet of the day.
Devils ML (+105) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
My pre-series pick was New Jersey in six games, and that projection looked pretty bad for a while, but there’s no reason to waffle at this point.
The NHL could use a seven-gamer between these rivals, especially since the first five games haven’t even had much vitriol. But the way New Jersey is rolling, and the way Schmid is playing, it’s hard to believe it is even the underdog for Game 6.
The plus-money odds only enhance this pick. The Devils were one of the best road teams in the league all season, so it’d only be fitting that they close out their first playoff series win in 11 years away from Prudential Center.
Devils vs Rangers Game 5 Preview
The New Jersey Devils will look for their third straight win when they host the rival New York Rangers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup at Prudential Center on Thursday.
After being outscored 10-2 in two home-ice losses, New Jersey is back from the dead thanks to superstar center Jack Hughes and rookie goalie Akira Schmid. Hughes scored one goal apiece in Games 3 and 4, and Schmid stopped 57 of 59 shots against (.966 save percentage) while winning his first two Stanley Cup playoff games.
The Rangers power play was a weapon while scoring four goals on its first seven man-advantages in the series but is in the midst of an 0-for-11 drought. New York goalie Igor Shesterkin has been great, allowing just six goals on 101 shots (.940) through four games, but the Rangers’ offense largely fell silent during the two games at MSG.
Here’s the Game 5 outlook for the pivotal Game 5 contest between New York and New Jersey.
Devils vs Rangers Game 5 Odds
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Tuesday, April 25, at 10 a.m. ET, and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Devils (-125) • Rangers (+105)
- Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+220) • Rangers +1.5 (-260)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (+100) • Under 5.5 (-120)
Devils vs Rangers Game 5 Prediction
Devils 3, Rangers 2 (OT)
For the second straight year, New York coughed up a 2-0 series advantage and a Game 3 lead, allowing its opponent to breathe. The Rangers lost four straight in their six-game series loss to the Lightning in the 2022 Eastern Conference Final, and New Jersey suddenly has all the mojo in what was supposed to be a short and easy series after two games.
The Rangers did a good job at baiting the young Devils into ill-advised penalties in front of the raucous, split crowd in Newark, and they could try to do the same in Game 5. New Jersey seemed poised playing on the road, where it was one of the best teams all season, but it won’t be so easy for the Devils to play that style at home, where the crowd will undoubtedly charge the play.
But it’s easy to now say the first two games were outliers, where the Rangers power play poured it on the “jittery" Devils as coach Lindy Ruff put it. It’s safe to assume Game 5 will be a super-close and hotly contested game that is ultimately decided in the waning moments of regulation or overtime.
The Devils were the best overtime team in the regular season, with a league-high 11 OT wins, and are 1-0 in extra time in the postseason. The Devils persevered in two tight games at MSG, and I think they’ll do so again back at home.
Devils vs Rangers Game 5 Best Bets
Under 5.5 Goals (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 2 Units
I have yet to successfully pick the winner of any game in this series but am 3-0-1 with Under predictions. The Rangers simply don’t allow goals — they’ve not surrendered more than three goals in a game since March 4, a 23-game span — due largely to Shesterkin’s outstanding play.
The Devils played textbook defensive hockey in Games 3 and 4, and Schmid hasn’t been nearly as jumpy as Vítek Vaněček, who allowed nine goals on 52 shots in the Devils’ losses. Maybe panic sets in while playing at home and Schmid gives up a bad goal or two, though everyone around the Devils cites his calm, poised nature, which flies in the face of any angst about the changing venue.
The high-scoring blowouts are likely history, and another 3-2 or 2-1 game seems super likely. That makes the Under our NHL bet of the day.
Devils Moneyline (-125) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I picked the Devils to win in six games before the series started, though there’s every reason to believe this series will go the distance. The road team has won every game, but I doubt that trend will last for seven games.
Schmid has provided a level of calm to the Devils, and playing on the road enabled them to get comfortable in their first playoff series in five years. The extra day off definitely benefits the Rangers, and we still haven’t seen Shesterkin’s top form yet, but I can’t envision the Devils losing three straight home games, especially after how flawlessly they played in Game 4.
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 Preview
The New Jersey Devils will try to pull even with the rival New York Rangers in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
The Devils scored a 2-1 OT win over New York in Game 3 behind Akira Schmid‘s 35 saves and Dougie Hamilton‘s game-winning goal at 11:36 of the extra session. Chris Kreider scored New York’s lone goal, and Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves.
Here’s the Game 4 outlook for New Jersey vs New York.
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 Odds
- Moneyline: Rangers (-150) • Devils (+130)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+170) • Devils +1.5 (-200)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6 (+100) • Under 5.5 (-120)
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 Prediction
Rangers 3, Devils 1
The Devils were much more composed with Schmid in net and playing in front of a hostile pro-Rangers crowd. New Jersey thwarted New York’s power play, which had scored four times in the previous 10 chances, forcing the Rangers to go 0-for-5 with the man-advantage.
Still, the Rangers were the better team in Game 3, and only Schmid’s solid play and a seeing-eye shot from Hamilton pulled the Devils within a game. There were signs that New Jersey was settling in, mainly the play of forwards Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, who each put their stamp on Game 3.
But the Rangers have far more gamebreakers than the Devils at this point, and the Rangers will undoubtedly be able to make the Devils pay if they continue to take silly and undisciplined penalties.
Devils vs Rangers Game 4 Best Bets
Rangers Moneyline (-150) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Rangers have to think they deserved to win Game 3 given the fact they scored first and the way they controlled the puck possession and forced the Devils to counterpunch. New York took a 53.1 percent all-situations Corsi-For percentage in Game 3 and had a 4-3.63 advantage in Expected Goals in the game.
New Jersey is still outplaying New York at 5-on-5, but the Devils have scored only one even-strength goal in the series, due mainly to Shesterkin. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner should outplay a rookie of just 24 NHL games making his second playoff start.
The odds on this aren’t great, and Rangers puck line is worth a sprinkle, but it’ll still pay out $0.67 profit per dollar wagered, which will make it worthwhile as our NHL bet of the day.
Under 6 Goals (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
There haven’t been more than six goals in each of the first three games in this series. This is the playoffs, after all.
The Rangers are loaded with star power, and the Devils were the fourth highest-scoring team in the league during the regular season. But given the rivalry aspect, and the pivotal nature, I can’t see Game 4 being a high-scoring game.
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 Preview
The New York Rangers will look to take a commanding 3-0 lead when they host the New Jersey Devils for Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference matchup.
The Rangers claimed a second straight 5-1 victory in Game 2, once again getting two power-play goals from Chris Kreider. Igor Shesterkin made 22 saves, and New York built a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-7 series and improved to 6-2 all-time in playoff games at Prudential Center.
Here’s a look at the Game 3 odds for New York vs New Jersey.
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 Odds
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Friday, April 21, at 11 a.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-140) • Devils (+120)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+185) • Devils +1.5 (-215)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (-120) • Under 5.5 (+100)
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 Prediction
Rangers 3, Devils 2
The Devils have been one of the best road teams in the NHL all season, posting the third-most wins (28) and finishing tied for second in points percentage (.732) away from home. I’d expect a better effort from New Jersey in a must-win game at MSG.
But the Rangers are rolling, and you can bet they’re smelling blood. New York has to know the importance of Game 3, since it turned around a 2-0 lead in the second round vs Carolina last year then blew a 2-0 advantage against the Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Devils have never been swept in a playoff series, and the advanced metrics suggest they’ve been insanely unlucky in the series. New Jersey is dead-last by a country mile in playoff PDO — save percentage plus shooting percentage — at .851 and has the ultra-rare 54.4-0.00 Expected Goals-to-Actual Goals percentage at 5-on-5.
Still, the playoffs are made up of small samples. The Devils are far too talented to get run out of the building by their biggest rival, but I can’t in good conscience pick them to win after watching the first two games.
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 Best Bets
Rangers Moneyline (-140) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
The Devils got a much-better start in Game 2, scoring first and weathering a first-period storm. By the end of the second, the Rangers had taken full control.
Don’t be stunned if Game 3 follows a similar path. New Jersey should be desperate in a must-win game, because it could end up being thoroughly embarrassed again if it isn’t.
Still, the Rangers’ power play — always a point of contention in the postseason — and Shesterkin are two enormous advantages in the series. Shesterkin has a .961 save percentage and the third-best all-situation GSAA (2.97) in hockey, whereas Devils goalie Vítek Vaněček has an .827 save percentage and minus-3.94 GSAA through two games.
Rangers covering the puck line (+185 at DK) is worth a sprinkle if you believe they’ll hit an empty net or two. But the odds are favorable enough to take New York to simply win by any means, meaning in OT or regulation, by one goal.
Look for New York to win as our NHL bet of the day.
Under 5.5 Goals (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
I think the Devils will actually feel a little more comfortable playing on the road, where they allowed just 2.85 goals against per game during the regular season. Road teams have been excellent in these playoffs, and New Jersey can stick to a more simple game rather than getting caught up in the emotional atmosphere in the stands.
Shesterkin doesn’t seem poised to allow more than two goals per game, and Vaněček will need to be much better for this to hit. I think that’ll be the case.
Devils vs Rangers Game 2 Preview
The New York Rangers will look to score a second straight road victory when they square off against the New Jersey Devils in Game 2 of their first-round Eastern Conference mathchup.
Chris Kreider scored each of New York’s two power-play goals in its 5-1 victory over New Jersey in Game 1, and goalie Igor Shesterkin had 27 saves. Jack Hughes scored the Devils’ lone goal on a penalty shot.
Here’s a look at my Game 2 betting tips for New York vs New Jersey.
Devils vs Rangers Game 2 Odds
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Wednesday, April 19, at 11 a.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Moneyline: Devils (-130) • Rangers (+110)
- Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+195) • Rangers +1.5 (-230)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 5.5 (-115) • Under 5.5 (-105)
Devils vs Rangers Game 2 Prediction
Devils 3, Rangers 2
Shesterkin hardly had to stand on his head in Game 1, but the Rangers also spotted him a 2-0 first-period advantage thanks to goals from Kreider and Vladimir Tarasenko. The Devils looked a bit awestruck by playing a home postseason game before they began to tilt the ice in the second period, and by then it was too late.
I picked the Devils to win a long series, and if the Rangers win that will seem less likely. Despite being blown out, Hughes’ goal was important for the Devils since they were technically able to beat Shesterkin, thus taking a bit of his mental edge away.
I think New Jersey will be less overwhelmed and find a way to beat Shesterkin early and hang on and win.
Devils vs Rangers Game 2 Best Bets
Devils Moneyline (-130) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
The Devils dominated possession, especially at five-on-five where it posted a 65.2 Corsi-For percentage and 60.1 Expected Goals percentage despite being outscored 3-1 at even strength — Hughes’ goal was technically an even-strength marker, and Filip Chytil scored an empty-net goal, which also came at 5 on 5.
Shesterkin is good enough to make those fancy stats meaningless, but I think the Devils will find success in Game 2 if they continue to pepper the Rangers net, especially if Hughes once again is the best player on the ice for New Jersey.
Take the Devils to win as the NHL bet of the day.
Devils vs Rangers Game 1 Preview
The New Jersey Devils will host their first Stanley Cup Playoff game in five years when they face off against the New York Rangers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup on Tuesday.
The Devils’ surprised the hockey world by reaching the postseason for the first time since 2018 and will have home-ice advantage in a series for the first time since the 2012 Stanley Cup Final. New Jersey has been one of the most dominant possession teams all season and one of the best away from home.
New York counters with a star-laden lineup led by 2022 Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin, 2021 Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, plus Hart and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Patrick Kane, who it acquired midseason from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Here’s a look at the best bets for Game 1 of the best-of-7 series.
Devils vs Rangers Game 1 Odds
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of April 17, at 6 p.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Devils (-130) • Rangers (+110)
- Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+195) • Rangers +1.5 (-230)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6 (+100) • Under 6 (-120)
Devils vs Rangers Game 1 Prediction
Devils 4, Rangers 2
The Devils have not seemed starstruck by their arrival as a contender on the NHL’s stage, and surely a full house and their biggest rival will only bring out the best in the young upstarts. New Jersey went 3-1 against the Rangers, outshot its rivals in three of their four meetings — shots were even in the fourth game — and went unbeaten at home.
This should be a long and entertaining series, and Shesterkin may have a say in which team ultimately advances. Still, I fully expect New Jersey to come out flying, take an early lead, and hold on for a Game 1 win.
Devils vs Rangers Game 1 Best Bets
Devils Moneyline (-130) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
New Jersey has been a spotty home team for much of the season but has been running roughshod over opponents lately at Prudential Center. The Devils have won five straight home games and outscored their opposition 26-8 in that window.
New Jersey has also been one of the best road teams in the league, which helps: The crowd will almost be split 50-50 between Devils and Rangers fans. That atmosphere, plus many young New Jersey players participating in their first postseason games, should lead to a fast start for the Devils where they ultimately hang on and win.
Race To 3 Goals: Devils (+115) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
There’s a non-zero chance the Rangers score first, but the Devils were fourth in the league in both second-period (106) and third-period goals (103). That means New Jersey should be OK if it gets out of the first period even.
The winning team should be the first to get to three since both teams are good defensively. I especially like the race to three goals since the Devils and Rangers each blew a multi-goal lead in a head-to-head game this season.
If you’re anxious about either team hitting three, take the Race to Two (-115), especially since the Devils won the most recent meeting 2-1. But New Jersey averaged 3.52 goals per game and should be the first to pot three goals in Game 1.
Devils vs Rangers Series Preview
For the seventh time, the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers will meet in a Stanley Cup Playoff series.
The previous six have been classics, with three decided by an overtime goal (1994, 1997, 2012) and two going the full seven games (1992, 1994). New Jersey hasn’t won a postseason series since its six-game victory in the 2012 Eastern Conference Final, yet won the regular-season series 3-1 with three games decided by just one goal.
The Rangers made arguably the two biggest acquisitions, trading for forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane, yet enter the playoffs with five losses in their past eight regular-season games. New York, which reached the Eastern Conference Final a season ago, has famously not won the Stanley Cup since 1994.
Devils vs Rangers Series Odds
To Win Series: Devils (-120) • Rangers (+100)
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of April 16 at 9 a.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Devils are slight favorites despite the fact the Rangers will have a sizable fan presence at each game played at Prudential Center. New Jersey was one of the league’s best road teams all season, finishing with the third-most road wins (28) and tied for the second-best points percentage (.732).
New Jersey was one of the best play-driving teams, finishing fourth in the league in all-situation Corsi-For percentage (53.7) and second in Expected Goals percentage (56.3).
The Rangers got hot, especially after acquiring Kane, winning 12 of their final 17 games, but had difficulty with the Devils’ speed in their four matchups. New Jersey outshot New York 141-120 in those games and outscored the Rangers 14-11.
Devils vs Rangers Series Prediction
Devils Win 4-2
Weird things sometimes happen in rivalry playoff series. There is a definite chance Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin steals the series, particularly given the fact New Jersey netminder Vítek Vaněček has started just two postseason games in his career. With Shesterkin and the Rangers’ star power, New York has more than a puncher’s chance.
Still, New Jersey’s speed has been a problem for most of its opponents, and star center and leading scorer Jack Hughes tends to save his best for the Devils’ biggest rivals. Hughes, who set a franchise record with 99 regular-season points, has 15 points in 16 career games against the Rangers and posted six in their four games this season.
Devils vs Rangers Series Best Bets
Devils Win Series (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
The Devils have home-ice advantage and went 2-0 on home-ice against the Rangers during the regular season. New Jersey also played better down the stretch at Prudential Center, winning its final five regular-season home games by a combined 26-8.
The series will be hotly contested, both on the ice and in the stands. But given the odds, New Jersey winning the series is too good to pass up for my NHL bet of the day.
