Rangers vs. Devils playoffs prediction and odds
The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers square off in the postseason for the first time since the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals with Game 1 slated for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Prudential Center.
The Devils had the biggest turnaround in the NHL this season as they went from 63 points in 2021-22 to a 112 points in 2022-23, the most in franchise history.
The Rangers had another solid season as they crossed the 100-point mark for the second straight year under head coach Gerard Gallant, finishing with 107 points and 47 wins.
On Tipico Sportsbook, the Devils are +570 to win the Eastern Conference and 10/1 (+1000) to hoist the Stanley Cup while the Rangers sit at +670 to make their first finals appearance since 2013-14 and 12/1 (+1200) to win it all.
Here's my insight on this playoff series, how to bet on it, and who will ultimately move on to the next round with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.
Offense: Advantage Devils
Both teams are solid in putting the puck in the back of the net, but I'm giving the slight advantage to the Devils here. New Jersey ranked fourth in the NHL at 3.5 goals per game while the Rangers finished 12th at 3.3.
Both offenses are clicking at the right time too. The Devils scored at least five goals in six of their final seven wins, while the Rangers tallied four or more goals in each of their last five victories to end the regular season.
With star players and some of the best goal scorers in the entire league on both sides of the ice, it's difficult to choose, but I'm leaning Devils here.
Goaltending: Advantage Rangers
After having goaltending issues all season-long last year, the Devils found their answer in Vitek Vanecek. In his first season in New Jersey, Vanecek posted career bests in wins (33), goals against average (2.45) and save percentage (.911%). The 27-year-old had an up-and-down February and March, but closed out the regular season strong, winning three of four starts and posting a 2.18 GAA and a .919 save percentage.
On the other end, Igor Shesterkin is one of the hottest goalies in the league. Since March 1, the Rangers' netminder has won 11 of his last 15 starts, allowing four or more goals just once in that span. Shesterkin finished the regular season Top 10 among goalies in wins (37), GAA (2.48) and save percentage (.916).
Given his solid play down the stretch and how well he performed in the playoffs last year, the edge goes to Igor here.
Series Winner: Rangers (-101)
Of the eight first-round playoff matchups, the Hudson River rivalry might be the closest series. Only a razor thin margin separates these two Metropolitan Division foes in each facet of the game, whether it be on offense, special teams or in the crease.
While the Devils surprised everybody with such a quick turnaround this season, I believe they come up just short as Shesterkin steals Game 7 on the road at Prudential Center and the Rangers advance.
If you're also looking to bet on Tipico Sportsbook for the Rangers to win this series, some wagers I'd place for this matchup would be for it to go seven games (+205) and New York to cover the +1.5 series spread at -200.
