- What: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils - First Round Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 1
- Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- When: Tuesday, April 18th at 7 PM ET
Two rivals will face off on Tuesday in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the New York Rangers pay a visit to the New Jersey Devils for Game 1. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7 PM ET at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The Rangers come into this series as the No. 3 seed out of the Metropolitan Division, while the Devils are the No. 2 seed. Just five points separated these two teams during the regular season, therefore it should be a very exciting series. Keep reading for the Rangers vs Devils Game 1 picks.
Before we get into the odds and predictions for this contest, make sure to check out our online sportsbook reviews, and the top NHL betting sites.
Rangers vs Devils Odds
The Devils are a home favorite in the series opener with -127 moneyline odds while the Rangers come back at +115. The total is set at six. New Jersey certainly had the upper hand in the season series, winning three of four meetings.
Game 1 Preview
New York had a respectable season in 2022-23, going 47-22-13. They went 5-2-3 in their final 10 games but did lose the last two of the campaign. This team shines most defensively, allowing just 2.63 goals per game, which ranked fourth in the NHL. They're also top-10 in SOG allowed and penalty minutes.
Offensively, Mika Zibanejad had a massive year. The Swede had 39 goals and 52 assists in 82 appearances for a total of 91 points, playing just under 20 minutes per night. There's also a great supporting cast. Chris Kreider notched 36 goals, while four others finished with over 20 goals. That includes Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks. The Rangers certainly have the weapons to make a run in these playoffs, but their lack of success against the Devils is slightly concerning.
The Devils closed out the season in fine fashion, posting a 52-22-8 record and going 7-3-0 in their last 10 outings. They've also won their previous two games against the Sabres and Capitals. This is a very well-rounded group, ranking fourth in goals scored and eighth in goals allowed. From an offensive standpoint, Jack Hughes is the star of the show. The 21-year-old netted 43 goals and 56 assists in a monster campaign and has an eight-game point streak right now, but there is no shortage of others who can produce around the American.
In fact, four players had 25+ goals as well, including Timo Meier, the other 40-goal scorer. He was brought in at the trade deadline from San Jose. New Jersey is a very good organization that clearly has confidence playing against the Rangers. Plus, the Devils are great at home.
Rangers vs Devils Game 1 Picks
I do think New Jersey takes Game 1, but the puck line is not the move because three of their four meetings in 2022-23 were decided by one goal. Instead, lock in the Devils moneyline with confidence. They will get started on the right foot.
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