Devils vs. Rangers Game 2 odds, picks and prediction
The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils square off in Game 2 at Prudential Center on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
The Rangers were in complete control Tuesday night in Game 1, a 5-1 victory with two power-play goals from Chris Kreider and a 27-save performance from Igor Shesterkin.
Tuesday's game was the first time the Devils lost to the Rangers in regulation this season and the fewest goals they've scored since April 8 in a 2-1 loss to the Boston Bruins.
Can the Devils bounce back, or will the Rangers take a stranglehold on the series, which will then head to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4? Here are my picks and predictions for Thursday night's Game 2 with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.
Rangers vs. Devils puck line: Rangers +1.5 (-230)
One bet you can lock in is the Rangers to cover this spread. New York has covered the +1.5 puck line in 20 straight games dating back to the regular season.
The Devils finished 17-25 on the puck line at home this season and were just 22-38 this year when favored to win by -1.5 goals.
Game 2 will be much closer, and advise betting on the Rangers to cover this line even at the lofty price of -230.
Rangers vs. Devils total: Under 5.5 goals (+100)
It seemed as if Game 1 was heading toward the under 5.5 total goals, but the over officially hit when the Rangers' Filip Chytil scored an empty-net goal with under two minutes remaining.
I believe we see a much better defensive effort from New Jersey in Game 2, especially on the penalty kill.
It's a risky wager with such a low total, but bet on five or fewer goals being scored Thursday night.
Rangers vs. Devils moneyline: Devils (-130)
Just like in Game 1, the Devils are slight favorites at -130 again on the moneyline. New Jersey has already lost home-ice advantage and can't fall behind 2-0 in this series if it has hopes of a deep playoff run.
I expect we see a bounce-back performance from Vitek Vanecek, as the Devils' netminder has not lost back-to-back home games in regulation in over a month.
This will be a back-and-forth game that requires overtime where New Jersey ultimately gets the job done in OT, tying up the series heading back to MSG on Saturday night.
My Best Bets
Place a wager on the Devils moneyline (-130), the Rangers to cover the +1.5 puck line (-230), and the under 5.5 total goals scored at +100 on Tipico Sportsbook.
