Jonny Lazarus is not buying that the Rangers have cured what ails them heading into Monday's showdown with the Devils. Expect New Jersey to win a wild one in MSG tonight.
NHL
The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils are getting set for what will be their first meeting of the 2024-25 season. This is one of the greater rivalries in the NHL, and that should be on full display tonight.
The Devils are coming off of a loss on home ice against a divisional opponent in the Washington Capitals, but prior to that game they had been playing some outstanding hockey. The Rangers put an end to their five-game losing streak in their last outing, but are their issues really fixed?
Find out why my Devils vs. Rangers predictions and NHL picks for Monday, December 2 favor the away team.
My best bet
Devils moneyline (-125 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The New Jersey Devils have started to heat up over the past month, going 9-5-0 since November 1. The Devils have been getting outstanding offensive production over their last 14 games, especially from Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes, who have each tallied 18 points over that span.
New Jersey has scored 3.14 goals per game during this run and their power play has been lights out, clicking at 36.6%, which is the best in the NHL during that window. The Devils have scored power-play goals in five of their last six games and their man-advantage has clicked at a 50% clip during that span, scoring on 10 of their 20 attempts.
Not only do the Devils have the edge on the man-advantage this evening, but they have the edge at 5-on-5 as well.
The New York Rangers have been one of the worst teams at defending even-strength play, allowing 12.91 high-danger chances against per 60, which is the third-worst mark in the NHL. The Devils, who generate 11.34 high-danger chances for per 60, will be able to control the game at even-strength.
The goaltending battle is the one edge that the Rangers will have tonight as we will most likely see Igor Shesterkin against Jacob Markstrom. That said, both goalies have not been at their best over their last five starts. Shesterkin is 1-4-0 in his last five games and has skated to a .912 SV% with a 3.28 GAA. On the other side, Markstrom has earned a 3-2-0 record with a .881 SV% and a 2.82 GAA.
This game could have a ton of scoring, but the Devils will control the pace of play.
Devils moneyline
Jesper Bratt 3+ shots on goal
Over 6.5
Bratt has been one of the best players in the NHL this season, but over the course of his last four games, the shots on goal have declined a bit. That being said, he is due for an offensive outbreak tonight against the team’s biggest rival.
Bratt is currently averaging 2.18 shots on goal per game, but against a team like the Rangers, who allow the most shots against in the league (37.8 per game), Bratt should feast on them.
Both Shesterkin and Markstrom have not been at the top of their respective games and both of these teams have a ton of offensive fire power. The Rangers are coming off of a game where they scored three power-play goals, which was much-needed to give them some more confidence, while the Devils power play is currently the hottest in the league.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
The Devils have won four of their last six games. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Rangers.
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Jonny Lazarus has loved hockey for as long as he can remember. After his Division I playing career at UMass-Amherst and Mercyhurst University came to an end in 2020, he transitioned from being a player to working in the media. He might be young in his career, but he has made appearances in numerous places like the NHL, Bleacher Report, as well as The Action Network, and this season he will be doing color commentary for a selection of UMass-Amherst hockey games.
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