Quick Pick Devils vs Rangers
- Best Bet: New Jersey Devils moneyline at -110 or better
- Confidence: 3 out of 5
- Model Projection: Devils 3 – Rangers 2
- Win Probability: Devils 54% | Rangers 46%
- Best Value Angle: New Jersey owns the cleaner territorial profile and has already won the first 2 meetings by the same 6 to 3 scoreline
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers
- Date & Time: March 31, 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
- Broadcast: ESPN+, MSG
Key Stats & Recent Form
| Metric | New Jersey Devils | New York Rangers |
|---|---|---|
| Season Series | 2-0-0 | 0-2-0 |
| Last 5 Games | 3-2-0 | 2-3-0 |
| Last 10 Games | 6-4-0 | 4-5-1 |
Recent form matters here because the Devils are not just winning a little more often. They are creating the kind of games that translate better to betting, with more shot pressure and more offensive zone time. The Rangers have improved over their last 2 wins, but the broader 10 game sample is still shaky.
The head to head results are even more important. New Jersey beat New York 6 to 3 on March 7 and again on March 18. That second meeting was especially one sided from a process standpoint, which is a better signal than the final score alone.
Team Performance & Advanced Metrics
| Metric | New Jersey Devils | New York Rangers |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Per Game | 2.74, 23rd in NHL | 2.81, 21st in NHL |
| Goals Against Per Game | 3.06, 17th in NHL | 3.12, 23rd in NHL |
| Shots Per Game | 29.9, 10th in NHL | 25.4, 32nd in NHL |
| Shots Against Per Game | 27.5, 7th in NHL | 29.3, 21st in NHL |
| Power Play | 22.3%, 16th in NHL | 24.3%, 8th in NHL |
| Penalty Kill | 79.5%, 18th in NHL | 78.7%, 21st in NHL |
| Advanced Metric | 69.0% xGF share in the last meeting | 31.0% xGF share in the last meeting |
| Schedule Spot | Normal rest | Normal rest |
This Devils vs Rangers-matchup points toward a Devils driven game script. New Jersey is not a high end finishing team this season, but it does more of the hard work that supports sustainable betting value. The Devils shoot more, allow fewer shots, and have already imposed that profile in the season series.
Despite being one of the last teams in the NHL this season, the Rangers remain dangerous because their power play can flip a game quickly. That said, backing New York means trusting a team that ranks last in shots per game and has spent too much of the season needing elite efficiency to stay afloat.
If this game stays mostly at even strength, New Jersey should spend more time on the front foot. That is the core reason the moneyline still has value.
Market & Odds Analysis
This projects as a near pick em market, which is where the Devils become interesting. My number makes New Jersey a modest favorite because the shot environment and recent matchup data both lean their way. That creates value as long as the Devils stay close to even money or a slight favorite.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Devils -110 or better | Rangers +100 or higher |
| Total | 6.0 |
| Puckline | Devils +1.5 | Rangers -1.5 |
Key Edges
- New Jersey owns a massive season long shots per game edge and a solid shots against edge
- The Devils are 2-0 in the series and controlled the last meeting beyond the scoreboard
- The Rangers score a little more efficiently than the Devils, but they create far less volume
- Brett Pesce remains out for New Jersey, while Jonathan Quick is day to day for New York and Urho Vaakanainen is out
Goaltending & Key Players Devils vs Rangers
The starting goalie for New Jersey is up for debate. Jake Allen has better stats than Jacob Markstrom, but on the other hand Devils has won more games with Markstrom in net. Markstrom played against the Hurricanes on Saturday and Allen got the nod on Sunday against the Blackhawks, which could be an indicator that Markstrom is the pick for this game.
Igor Shesterkin is still the biggest obstacle to a Devils ticket. His 2.55 goals against average and .912 save % remain better than anything New Jersey can counter at the top end, and he just stopped 26 of 27 against Florida. That said, the Rangers have repeatedly asked him to cover for a low volume attack and too much defensive slippage.
Among skaters, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt are the main New Jersey engines, while Nico Hischier leads the club with 26 goals. For New York, Mika Zibanejad drives everything at the top of the sheet with 69 points and 32 goals. The problem for the Rangers is that the support underneath him has not been consistent enough.
Risk Factors
- Shesterkin can steal games even when the Rangers lose the chance battle
- New York has the better power play, so a whistle heavy game helps the underdog case
- New Jersey is still only a middle tier finishing team, so volume may not fully convert
Prediction & Best Bet Devils vs Rangers
- Best Bet: New Jersey Devils moneyline at -110 or better
- Score Projection: Devils 3 – Rangers 2
- Win Probability: Devils 54% | Rangers 46%
- Edge: Moderate
The cleanest betting angle is still New Jersey on the moneyline. The Devils are the better territorial team, they have been better over the last 10 games, and they have already proven twice this month that this specific matchup works for them.
The Rangers can absolutely win behind Shesterkin and special teams, but that path is narrower. New Jersey has the more repeatable profile, and in a market this tight that is the side worth backing.
Devils vs Rangers is always a fun game to watch, no matter if it’s the playoffs, regular season or like in this case, where both teams are out of the race.
Final Score Prediction: Devils 3 – Rangers 2
