NHL Betting: Rangers vs Devils
by Dave D
The Rangers are in the midst of a three game losing streak, the latest a 2-1 overtime loss to Buffalo on Sunday. New York finds themselves on the outside looking in on the playoff race, two points back of Boston for the final postseason spot in the East.
The Devils are coming off one of their more embarrassing losses of the season, a 2-0 loss to the league-worst Edmonton Oilers. The loss was the latest chapter in a dismal stretch of road games for the Devils, where they have gone 2-10-1 in their last 13. They’ve dropped from first in the Atlantic division to fourth in the East, five points back of division-leading Pittsburgh.
New York Rangers @ New Jersey Devils
Wednesday, March 10th – 7:00 PM EST
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Broadcast: MSG2
NHL Betting Line: Devils -165
What The Rangers Have To Do To Win:
At some point during this season, Rangers players other than Marion Gaborik will have to begin to score consistently. Gaborik leads the team with 69 points; Vinny Prospal is next with a measly 48. That right there gives you a clear indication of how much of a one-man show the Rangers offense has been this season.
Since the Olympic Break, Gaborik has missed a game because of injury and been held pointless in two games. Not surprisingly, New York lost all three games. Prospal, Ryan Callahan and Olli Jokinen have to start producing or else the Rangers are going to miss the playoffs. Specifically, against New Jersey, scoring early would be helpful.
The Devils are already in a bad mood because of their loss to Edmonton, and piling up the goals early would make Devils and their fans incredibly frustrated. New York needs to play an incredibly aggressive offensive game.
What The Devils Have To Do To Win:
If New Jersey can play a competent defensive game, the win should come easy against the offensively challenged Rangers. The Devils’ recent woes would suggest that good defense has been hard to come by, and that would be a valid observation. But the Devils are a well coached team, and will be no doubt fired up after being embarrassed in Edmonton.
New Jersey doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel, just play the kind of defensive trap game they’re known for. It may be boring hockey, but it’s what the Devils need to get back on track. Luckily, they’re playing a Rangers team that ranks near the bottom of the standings with just 170 goals scored.
They’ve also been shut out six times this season, tops in the NHL. As long as New Jersey can shut down the Rangers top offensive weapons (which, by this point is Gaborik and nobody else) the win should follow.
Outlook & Pick
Neither team is looking too good right now, although the Devils are more relaxed about it because they’re not fighting for a playoff spot. The Rangers have their finger on the panic button and are getting closer and closer to pushing it. Their one saving grace so far has been the play of Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist has been solid during the three-game losing streak, and has been especially strong against the Devils recently (3-1-1 with 1.19 GAA in last five games).
But the Devils are a strong home team and should be able to rebound from their loss against the Oilers.
NHL Betting Pick: Devils -165 > > Sign up to BET!
