The Hudson River rivalry is on its way to the world’s most famous arena, as the New York Rangers take a 2-0 series lead into Madison Square Garden tonight for their first home game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The New Jersey Devils have yet to score a 5-on-5 goal in this series, but the good news is that they were excellent on the road all year long — and they'll hope to find their game tonight and get back into this series.
The issue for New Jersey, which NHL odds have as one of the larger underdogs today, is that Igor Shesterkin has been absolutely lights out thus far in this series. He and the Rangers have already been elevated to one of the favorites on the Stanley Cup odds board, and as the atmosphere at MSG should be electric... and I am riding with the home team.
Get the full breakdown in my free NHL pick for Rangers vs. Devils on Saturday, April 22.
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 odds
Devils vs Rangers series odds
| Team | To win | Win in 4 | Win in 5 | Win in 6 | Win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils | +400 | N/A | N/A | +1500 | +600 |
| Rangers | -550 | +210 | +300 | +360 | +750 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 22, 2023.
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 predictions
This series has been all New York Rangers thus far, as they won both games by identical 5-1 scores. Their power play has been the biggest storyline, going 4-for-10 through the first two games, with Chris Kreider getting all four of those markers.
In addition to the New Jersey Devils not having much of an answer for the Rangers man advantage, they also haven’t been all that successful on their PPs, converting just once in eight tries.
To be successful in the playoffs, you need two things: Strong special teams and excellent goaltending. Both of these categories are in favor of the Rangers right now, with Igor Shesterkin posting .962 SV% and giving up just two goals through six periods in this series — while New Jersey's No. 1 netminder for most of the season, Vitek Vanecek, looked shaky in Games 1 and 2, posting an .827 SV% and -2.37 goals saved above expected.
Based on today's morning skate, it appears that the Devils will be switching to young Akira Schmid between the pipes. He posted a 20-save shutout to end the season at Washington, but that was his first game in a month and he allowed 3+ goals in four of his six prior starts.
Although it will be a game-time decision for the Devils, I will take Shesterkin over Schmid (or the struggling Vanecek) any day — especially with how well the Rangers are playing in front of him.
My best bet: Rangers ML (-140)
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Devils vs Rangers Game 3 moneyline analysis
The results of the series thus far are a tad surprising, as most would not have expected the Rangers to win both games in New Jersey, but now it’s hard to imagine the Devils coming back in this series.
New Jersey had a strong start to Game 2, scoring the first goal of the game on a power-play tally from Erik Haula, but the Devils were not able to stay out of the penalty box, which resulted in Kreider taking over once again.
The veteran has looked unstoppable in his net-front spot on the New York power play, with all four goals coming on Kreider deflections as the Devils also have to respect when Artemi Panarin, Patrick Kane, and Adam Fox have the puck — plus Mika Zibanejad's one-timer is lethal.
In addition to the Devils needing to find a way to improve their special teams, if they want to have any shot at getting back into this series the Devils need to improve their shots on goal tonight. They were fifth in the regular season at getting pucks on net, but they are dead last among the 16 playoff teams right now, with New York both taking away their time and space... and blocking a ton of shots.
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 Over/Under analysis
The Over has hit in each of the first two games, but the Under is still the more likely outcome in my opinion.
I can talk about Shesterkin all day, as he has looked like the Igor of last year so far, but the total tonight will be decided by the Devils. Since New Jersey hasn’t announced its starter just yet, it’s tough to say what to expect defensively.
That said, if it is Schmid, he went 9-5-2 in the regular season, skating to a .922 SV% and a 2.13 GAA. Statistically speaking, he was the Devils' best goalie in the regular season. I do, however, expect a much more disciplined effort from New Jersey and I would assume head coach Lindy Ruff has made adjustments to the penalty kill.
I don't think, however, he has found a way to solve the offensive struggles. I feel this one will be a little more low scoring.
Devils vs Rangers betting trend to know
The Devils are 1-5 in their last six games in New York. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Rangers.
Devils vs Rangers Game 3 game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, April 22, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
