The New Jersey Devils snapped a three-game losing skid last time out in Seattle. They’ll be looking to pick up where they left off against a New York Rangers team that has been among the league’s biggest disappointments this season.
My Devils vs. Rangers predictions see the road side doing just that, with superstar Jack Hughes being front-and-center.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for Thursday, January 9.
Devils vs Rangers prediction
My best bet
Jack Hughes anytime goal (+162 at Pinnacle)
My analysis
Jack Hughes has generated opportunities like no other in recent weeks. In fact, he leads the entire NHL in shot attempts and scoring chances over the last 10 games played.
Zach Werenski ranks second in attempts and sits 10 behind Hughes, while Brady Tkachuk (41) is the only player outside of Hughes (51) who has more than 40 chances in that span.
Unfortunately, Hughes doesn’t have much to show for it. He’s converted five expected goals worth of opportunities into just two goals and found the back of the net in only one of the 10 games.
Hughes has developed into an excellent finisher and scored 15 goals more than expected from 2021-24. It’s abnormal for him to underproduce based on the chance volume he’s getting; he’s simply too talented.
So long as the opportunities are there for Hughes, we should expect the goals to follow. And there shouldn’t be a lack of chances against the New York Rangers.
They continue to struggle defensively, ranking dead-last in expected goals and high-danger chances allowed over their past 10 games. That has naturally led to plenty of goals against.
It’s going to be difficult for the Rangers to stop the bleeding without superstar Igor Shesterkin, who is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
Hughes has feasted on the Rangers over the years, piling up 15 goals over the last 18 head-to-head meetings.
With Hughes due for a breakout, and the Rangers playing miserable defensive hockey, his success should continue in this one.
Devils vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Jack Hughes anytime goal
Jack Hughes 3+ shots on goal
Jesper Bratt assist
Jack Hughes is shooting the puck at will right now. He leads the NHL in attempts and sits second in shots on target over the last 10 games. He has recorded at least three shots eight times in that span, including each of the past seven games.
Hughes always gets up for games against the New Jersey Devils’ biggest rival, averaging 5.2 shots on goal against the Rangers dating back to 2022.
The shots should continue to be there for Hughes vs. a team that has bled shots in bulk all season long.
Jesper Bratt leads the Devils in assists and correlates strongly with Hughes. They skate together at 5v5 and are two of the league leaders in power play points.
Bratt has five assists through two games against the Rangers this season and recorded three the last time they played at MSG.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Devils vs Rangers odds
Devils vs Rangers live odds
Devils vs Rangers opening odds
- Puck line: New Jersey -1.5 (+142) | New York +1.5 (-165)
- Moneyline: New Jersey -175 | New York +154
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Devils vs Rangers trend
Jack Hughes has scored four goals through two meetings with the Rangers this season. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Rangers.
How to watch Devils vs Rangers
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Thursday, 1-9-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG |
Devils vs Rangers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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