Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Flyers vs Rangers NHL Odds
Looking for New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Devils taking on the Rangers on Tuesday February 16th at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey games all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions like this Flyers Rangers matchup.
NHL Handicapping Analysis
(4-3-2) New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers (4-6-3)
Date: Tuesday, February 16th
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York NY
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Devils +125| Rangers -145
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: OFF
NHL Betting Total: 5.5
The New Jersey Devils end a long layoff on Tuesday, playing their first game since January 31st when they make the short trip to Madison Square Garden to face the Rangers. Some rink rust should be expected for NJ in this one.
The Rangers have a great opportunity to snap their current 3-game losing streak when they face a Devils team that has been idle for over two weeks. Only one point separates the teams, but New Jersey has also played 4 fewer games.
New Jersey Devils
It’s a bit of a stretch to expect much from the Devils on Tuesday, they’re probably just happy to be back on the ice. This is the first time New Jersey is playing in the month of February, but they did win 5-3 against Buffalo 16 days ago.
New Jersey has now played the fewest games in the league with only 9 on the year (4-3-2). That’s really not a bad start to the season, but the 10 points keeps NJ in a tie with Buffalo for last in the East.
It’s all about the long break for the Devils, otherwise they’ve played solid defense in giving up just 2.7 goals/game, which is 11th in the NHL. The long layoff still won’t get Mackenzie Blackwood (1.90 GAA) back between the pipes though (illness).
Three other players are still on the injury list due to illness, making things even tougher for the Devils goaltenders. Eric Comrie stopped 30 of 33 shots in his lone start of the year on January 31st, so he might get the nod over 1-3 Scott Wedgewood.
New York Rangers
New York needs to pick up this W against a shorthanded and rusty Devils squad. The Ranger are just 3-4-2 at home on the year though, and have lost three straight coming into this tilt.
You would think the Rangers would have a huge offensive edge in this matchup. New York is just 24th in the league in scoring, but fire up a ton of shots at 32.4 per game. That’s a huge stat vs. two inexperienced goaltenders.
The Rangers do take a blow in this matchup with Artemi Panarin being listed as doubtful with a lower body injury. Panarin is NY’s leading scorer, and had 9 points in four games prior to being shut out by the Islanders and Bruins.
The absence of Panarin puts a lot more pressure on Igor Shesterkin, Tuesday’s likely starter. Shesterkin is used to not getting a lot of help though as he has a 3-4 record even with just a 2.19 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
NHL Betting Trends:
- Devils are 4-1 last 5 on 0 days rest
- Over is 4-1 in Devils last 5 road games
- Rangers are 3-8 last 11 home games
- Rangers are 4-13 last 17 overall
- Under is 5-0 in Rangers last 5 home games
- Home team is 14-6 last 20 head to head meetings
Free New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers NHL Prediction:
I just don’t think you can back the Devils after they’ve had over two weeks off. It’s a great contrarian play on New Jersey and the line doesn’t lean towards a huge Rangers win, but that’s a lot to ask of a team.
The loss of Panarin definitely hurts the Rangers as well, as neither Ryan Strome or Chris Kreider have scored in the last three games at the same time that Mika Zibanejad is having one of the worst seasons of his career.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Rangers -145
Ultimately, Shesterkin in net and the Rangers being at home combined with the long New Jersey layoff makes the Rangers the play.
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