Rangers vs. Devils Game 7 odds, expert picks: Will Rangers superstars shine in Game 7?
The Battle of the Hudson River is going to Game 7 on Monday night. The Rangers and Devils have had a series full of momentum swings, with New York winning the first two games in New Jersey, the Devils switching from Vitek Vanecek to Akira Schmid in net and winning the next two games at Madison Square Garden and then winning Game 5 at home. The Rangers dominated Game 6 on home ice so it all comes down to Game 7. The Devils are small favorites at home, with the over/under set at 5.5 goals.
Seven of eight teams have advanced to the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, with either the Rangers or Devils being the last team. The winner will play the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.
During the Stanley Cup playoffs, The Athletic’s writers will make their straight-up picks. You’ll find picks, coverage and the latest odds here. Our in-depth NHL coverage is linked below the picks.
All odds from BetMGM and update live.
Game 7 – Rangers at Devils
Series tied 3-3
8 p.m. on ESPN, SN
The key to winning Game 7 for the Devils is their goaltending and defense. In the three games they’ve won this series, they’ve allowed two goals to the Rangers. Two goals in three games. In the three games they’ve lost, they’ve given up five goals in each of those games.
Akira Schmid still has a .937 save percentage and 1.72 goals against average in the four games he’s started despite giving up five goals on Saturday night. On the other end, there’s no doubt the Rangers believe last year’s Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin is the best goalie in the series and that he can lead them to victory.
The Rangers stars must again show up in Game 7 to carry the Rangers back into a rematch with the Hurricanes in the second round. Chris Kreider leads the Rangers with nine points and defenseman Adam Fox has eight points. Vladimir Tarasenko has three goals and one assist in the playoffs while Artemi Panarin has been held goalless by the Devils but does have two assists.
New Jersey may be favored and have home ice for this Game 7, but all of the pressure and expectations fall on the Rangers for this game.
Dawson Mercer and Igor Shesterkin: Andrew Mordzynski / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
