Rangers vs Devils Prediction & Picks (March 30): New York Wins Big at Prudential Center

The NHL’s Metropolitan Division is in action on Thursday, March 30 as the New York Rangers pay a visit to the rival New Jersey Devils. It’s the final matchup of the 2022-23 regular season between these two foes and after New Jersey won two of the previous three Rangers vs Devils tilts, all eyes are on New York to see if it can even things up.

Gerard Gallant was asked about the possibility of the Rangers, Devils, and Islanders all making the playoffs:

"I don't really care about the other two, but as long as we're there…" ? pic.twitter.com/Pzi1vPgywi

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 27, 2023

The Rangers extended their winning streak to three straight games with Tuesday’s massive 6-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Igor Shesterkin made 30 saves in the win while five different New York players registered multi-point efforts.

On the other side, the Devils are searching for answers after falling 5-1 to the New York Islanders earlier this week. New Jersey has now lost three of its last four outings. Considering how a Rangers vs Devils first-round playoff matchup is looking more than likely, it’s clear that Lindy Ruff’s team must win if they want home-ice advantage for the series.

For those wondering about Rangers vs Devils betting opportunities, Betting Newshas you covered. Here’s a look at the matchup’s latest odds, as well as a prediction and the best bets for tonight’s action.

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: New York Rangers (44-20-10, 22-8-6 Away) vs. New Jersey Devils (46-20-8, 20-13-4 Home)
• Venue & Location: Prudential Center (Newark, New Jersey)
• Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023
• Game Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
• Rangers vs Devils TV Info: ESPN+

Rangers vs Devils Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Thursday, March 30 at 9:14 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• New York Rangers +1.5 (-205)
• New Jersey Devils -1.5 (+168)

Over/Under

• Over 6.5 Goals (+100)
• Under 6.5 Goals (-122)

Moneyline

• New York Rangers +115
• New Jersey Devils -138

Rangers vs Devils Betting Trends

• The Rangers are 7-1 straight up in their last eight games.
• New Jersey is 10-5 straight up in its last 15 home games.
• The total has hit the under in four of the Rangers’ last five games against the Metropolitan Division.
• The total has hit the over in seven of New Jersey’s last nine home games on a Thursday.
• The total has hit the over in 15 of the last 19 Rangers-Devils matchups at Prudential Center.

Rangers vs Devils Game Preview

Again, this likely isn’t the last time that these division rivals will collide in the coming weeks. After all, the Devils sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 100 points while the Rangers are right behind them in third with 98. While either club could catch the Carolina Hurricanes (103) for first, it’s more likely that they’ll square off with each other.

Unfortunately, matchups with the Rangers haven’t gone well for the Devils as of late. Though New Jersey has won twice in three meetings this season, it has also lost 10 of its last 13 encounters with New York.

A lot of things have gone wrong to result in those struggles. For starters, the Devils gave up an average of 4.08 goals over that stretch. That wasn’t helped by the fact that they allowed the Rangers to convert on 11-of-35 (31.4%) power-play opportunities.

In other words, the Devils need goaltender Vitek Vanecek to be better than he has been. While he’s capable of stealing a game every now and then, he’s just 4-4-2 with a 3.06 goals-against average, .892 save percentage and one shutout in his last nine appearances.

? = Our reaction to seeing this Vitek Vanecek stop pic.twitter.com/AUhRkhnHb8

— NHL (@NHL) November 4, 2022

It’s going to be hard for Vanecek to turn things around, though. On top of winning seven of their last eight outings, the Rangers are averaging 4.5 goals over that span, finishing with four-plus six times.

Mike Zibanejad has been on a tear during that stretch, leading all New York players with six goals. Considering how he has four goals in his last eight games against New Jersey, there’s a good chance that trend continues.

Artemi Panarin has impressed as well, notching five goals in the Rangers’ previous eight contests. Chris Kreider isn’t too far behind him with four goals while a trio of players has found the twine three times apiece.

It’s also hard seeing the Devils getting much by Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. The Russian netminder is a solid 9-2-0 in his last 11 starts, backstopping to a 2.07 GAA and .931 SV% with a shutout along the way.

Rangers vs Devils Prediction and Picks

Rangers vs Devils Prediction: Rangers 5, Devils 3

Rangers vs Devils: Rangers ML (Best Value: +115 at BetOnline) & Over 6.5 Goals (Best Value: +100 at BetOnline)

The Rangers have played like the better team in recent weeks and momentum from their winning streak will help them win on the road. The Devils are a solid club, their inconsistent goaltending and lack of success against the Rangers leave me with doubts.

Having said that, I do expect tonight’s Rangers vs Devils matchup to feature a fair bit of offense. On top of hitting the over in four of their last five meetings, New York and New Jersey have gone over their projected totals in 15 of their last 19 meetings when the latter is the home team. With playoff positioning on the line, expect both sides to step up, resulting in more goals than expected being scored.

Other Rangers vs Devils Betting Resources

• Rangers vs Devils Consensus Picks, Score Projections & Betting Stats

Other NHL Stories on Betting News (March 30)

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