Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

Devils vs. Rangers prediction and odds for NHL playoffs Game 3 (Believe in New Jersey)

By Iain MacMillan

Apr 20, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) and New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (4) fight during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) and New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (4) fight during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Things have been ugly for the New Jersey Devils so far in the postseason. They lost both Game 1 and Game 2 by a final score of 5-1 at the hands of the New York Rangers, and now the series turns to Madison Square Garden for Game 3.

If the Devils want any hope of advancing to the second round, winning tonight’s pivotal game will be absolutely key.

Can they get it done and notch their first victory of the season? Let’s dive into the betting odds and then I’ll give you my best bet.

Devils vs. Rangers odds, puck line, and total

Devils vs. Rangers prediction and pick

Despite the final score of the first two games, the analytics show these two teams are closer than you might think.

The Devils are actually outperforming the Rangers when it comes to 5-on-5 expected goals, holding the 3.7-3.1 advantage. That tells me that they’re worth a bet as underdogs at MSG tonight.

Their key to victory is going to be staying out of the penalty box and finding ways to get past Igor Shesterkin.

New Jersey has a shooting percentage of just 3.85 through the first two games, an area that begs for improvement if the Devils want to get back in this series. Meanwhile, the Rangers have the best shooting percentage amongst all teams so far in the playoffs, scoring on 18.87% of their shots on goal.

If you believe (like I do) that shooting percentage numbers tend to fluctuate and have a high level of variance, than the Devils could be in a great spot to bounce back tonight.

I’ll back them as road underdogs.

–

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Home/Analysis