Rangers vs. Devils prediction and odds for Game 2 of NHL playoffs

amtubaApril 19, 2023

23 3 minutes read

Apr 18, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman John Marino (6) skates with the puck while being defended by New York Rangers center Tyler Motte (14) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers took Game 1 in the Battle of the Hudson on Tuesday night, beating the New Jersey Devils by a final score of 5-1.

With a win that convincing, the Rangers have to be an easy bet to make in Game 2 as underdogs, right? Not so fast.

Let’s dive into the betting odds for the game and then I’ll break down why you should take the Devils to even the series.

Rangers vs. Devils odds, puck line, and total

NYR @ NJ | Best Odds

NYR

NJ

Odds updated April 19th, 2023, at 3:49 pm

Rangers vs. Devils prediction and pick

If you looked at the stats for the game and didn’t know the final score, you wouldn’t guess the Rangers won by four goals.

The Devils had the 5-on-5 highest CORSI% amongst all team’s first game at 65.17%. The Rangers, naturally, were last after the first game of action at 34.83%. If you don’t know, CORSI% measures all sort of shot attempts which shows the Devils dominated the possession game more than you’d think.

In terms of just shots on goal, the Devils had almost twice as many as the Rangers at 27-15.

Based on expected goals against, the Devils were superior in that area as well, beating the Rangers 2.68-2.38.

So, we all should look past the final score in the game and not overvalue the Rangers just because of the big Game 1 win.

Of course, the difference maker is Igor Shesterkin. He stopped 96.43% of shots on net in Game 1 and the Devils will need to sneak a few past him in Game 2 to even the series.

I think they can get it done and I’m willing to bet on them at -130.