New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils odds, picks and predictions
The Hudson River rivalry gets underway for the first time in the 2023-24 regular season when the Devils host the Rangers on Saturday evening at the Prudential Center.
After a historic season in 2022-23, it's been a so-so start for the Devils, who currently have injuries across their top two lines and sit fourth in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 8-6-1.
On the other side, the Rangers are on fire. They've won 11 of their first 14 games and have not lost in regulation in nearly a month as its 9-0-1 in its past 10 contests. The last time the Blueshirts dropped a matchup in 60 minutes of action was 4-1 defeat against the Nashville Predators on Oct. 19.
Last season, the Devils went 3-0-1 versus the Rangers and defeated them in game seven of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Here's my best bets on the puck line, total and moneyline for this matchup at 'The Rock' tomorrow night.
Devils vs. Rangers puck line: Lean Devils
While odds haven't officially been released yet, it should be expected that the puck line will favor the Rangers at -1.5 and the Devils as underdogs at +1.5.
There's a chance that huge stars could return for both teams in the Hudson River rivalry.
For the Rangers, goalie Igor Shesterkin hasn't been confirmed to make the start in Newark tomorrow night, the netminder seems potentially ready to make his first appearance in 16 days after suffering a lower body injury in early November, according to Vincent Z. Mercogliano, the New York Rangers reporter and NHL analyst for the USA TODAY Network.
That isn't the only good news on the injury front. Devils' star Jack Hughes is likely to make his return as he practiced for the first time since he left in the first period against the Blues on Nov. 3.
It should be noted that New Jersey is a woeful 0-7 on the puck line at home this season. However, with the return of Hughes and three of the four regular season games last season being determined by one goal, I'd take the Devils to cover at home for the first time this year.
Prediction: Devils +1.5
Devils vs. Rangers total: Lean over 6.5 goals
Even with Shesterkin potentially in between the pipes, I'd bank on taking the over here.
While the Rangers' offense is only ranked in the middle of the league at 3.3 goals per game, they've scored at least four goals in three straight matchups and have found the back of the net three or more times in nine of the past 10 games.
The problem this season hasn't been offense for New Jersey. The Devils rank fourth in the NHL at 3.7 goals per game but are also surrendering 3.7 goals per contests, third worst in the league. Both teams also rank in the top-10 in shots per game power play percentage on the man advantage, each clicking at better than 33 percent.
This is not even mentioning the fact that the over is a whopping 16-6-2 in the previous 24 matchups at the Prudential Center.
I think we see offensive fireworks here and would wager on the over as soon as the odds are available.
Prediction: Over 6.5 goals
Devils vs. Rangers moneyline: Devils
This Saturday night Metropolitan division showdown potentially has the chance to be the most entertaining game of the massive 13-game slate in the NHL.
With Shesterkin and Hughes each having a chance to suit back up for the first time in weeks, it adds even more drama to what should already be a great game at the Prudential Center.
I expect this one to continue the trend of recent history of being a tight, back and forth affair between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
It will be close but if Hughes returns, I give the slight edge to the Devils earning the victory and ending the Rangers' three-game winning streak.
Prediction: Devils 5, Rangers 4
