The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils had a very lopsided scoreboard in Game 1, as the Rangers skated to a 5-1 victory. But the score didn’t necessarily reflect how the game was played.
Aside from struggling on the power play, the Devils didn’t play all that bad. The special teams ended up being the difference in this game. The Rangers went 2-for-3 on the man advantage, while the Devils went 0-for-4.
New York would love to take a 2-0 series lead back home, and if Igor Shesterkin plays as well as he did in Game 1, they should be able to.
Find out my best bet in our free NHL picks and predictions for Devils vs. Rangers on April 20.
Rangers vs Devils Game 2 odds
Rangers vs Devils series odds
| Team | To win | Win in 4 | Win in 5 | Win in 6 | Win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rangers | -190 | +600 | +425 | +350 | +550 |
| Devils | +160 | N/A | +1,100 | +650 | +425 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 20, 2023.
Rangers vs Devils Game 2 predictions
The New York Rangers shut the New Jersey Devils' power play down early in the first period, killing off two of their chances in the opening 10 minutes. This gave the team a massive boost, which eventually led to them jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the opening frame.
The Rangers wouldn’t look back and took a 1-0 series lead on the road in New Jersey, and it would be huge to go back to Madison Square Garden with a commanding 2-0 lead. Their experience in the postseason showed in the first game, as the Rangers only had three giveaways. The Devils, meanwhile, had 13. Taking care of the puck and making simple plays is one of the most important details in playoff hockey.
Meanwhile, New York netminder Igor Shesterkin was absolutely phenomenal in Game 1, making 27 saves on 28 shots. The only goal he allowed was on a penalty shot from Jack Hughes when the game was already out of reach. Shesterkin had a .964 SV% and a +1.7 goals saved above expected.
All of the Rangers' big guns showed up like Adam Fox, who had four assists. Chris Kreider had two goals, Artemi Panarin added two assists, and Vladimir Tarasenko scored a goal too.
Experience might be a factor in this series after all. I’m starting to think the Rangers out-man the Devils.
My best bet: Rangers moneyline (+110 at BetMGM)
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Rangers vs Devils Game 2 moneyline analysis
The Rangers couldn’t have asked for a much better effort from their group. That being said, the Devils played much better than the final score shows, and I expect them to come out with everything they’ve got tonight.
The Devils outshot the Rangers 28-23 for the game, and the true difference really came down to execution. The Rangers were so much stronger with the puck, with their decisions and overall management of how they possessed it.
Vitek Vanecek needs to be much better if the Devils are going to have any chance at winning this series. He allowed four goals on 22 shots and skated to a .818 SV% and a 4.03 GAA along with a -0.99 goals saved above expected.
This series will ultimately come down to goaltending, and the Rangers have the clear cut advantage in that department with Shesterkin. I think he continues his strong play and the Rangers take a 2-0 series lead.
Rangers vs Devils Game 2 Over/Under analysis
I am expecting another strong goaltending performance from Shesterkin in Game 2, but even with that, the total being 5.5 is still very sketchy to me.
The Devils and Rangers have met five different times this year, and the Over has now hit in four of those games. I am not sure what to expect from Vanecek after the showing he had on Tuesday night, but the Rangers' power play was clicking.
I would think that the Devils will have a ton of adjustments to make after Game 1, especially for their power play, because they cannot afford to go 0-for-4 again without even having a shot on goal.
The Devils should be able to give a much better effort offensively, and the Rangers' offense can stay hot. I like the Over once again.
Rangers vs Devils betting trend to know
The Rangers are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings with the Devils in New Jersey. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs Devils.
Rangers vs Devils Game 2 game info
| Location: | Prudential Center, Newark, NJ |
| Date: | Thursday, April 20, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TBS |
