New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils - NHL Prediction & Betting Tips - AI Analysis & Odds (Mar 31, 2026)

New York Rangers

4 - 1

New Jersey Devils

NHL·Madison Square Garden

Team	P1	P2	P3	Total
New York RangersRangers	2	1	1	4
New Jersey DevilsDevils	0	1	0	1

AI vs Analyst Prediction

Predicto AI

Correct

New Jersey Devils to win

@1.86

View Reasoning

The New Jersey Devils have a stronger overall record with 35 wins compared to the Rangers' 28. Despite recent struggles, the Devils have a better goal differential and have shown resilience in their last matches.

Human Analyst

Correct

New Jersey Devils -1.5

@1.33

View Reasoning

Considering the current form and standings, the Devils are better positioned and have a slightly more potent offense. The Rangers are struggling with three consecutive losses, making the Devils a solid pick to cover the spread as they fight for playoff positioning.

Both back New Jersey Devils—different markets

Team Statistics

Rangersper gameDevils

30-36-8 · 69 pts38-33-2 · 78 pts

41%

Win Rate

52%

-18

Goal Diff

-29

2.2

Avg Goals For

2.2

2.4

Avg Goals Against

2.6

74 GPTotal Goals: 162 · 16473 GP

Eastern Conference

#	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	PTS	GF	GA	Form
1	Carolina Hurricanes	82	39	22	7	113	296	240	-
2	Buffalo Sabres	82	42	23	9	109	288	241	-
3	Tampa Bay Lightning	82	40	26	6	106	290	231	-
4	Montreal Canadiens	82	34	24	10	106	283	256	-
5	Boston Bruins	82	33	27	10	100	272	250	-
6	Ottawa Senators	82	38	27	11	99	278	246	-
7	Pittsburgh Penguins	82	34	25	16	98	293	268	-
8	Philadelphia Flyers	82	27	27	12	98	250	243	-
9	Washington Capitals	82	37	30	9	95	263	244	-
10	Detroit Red Wings	82	30	31	10	92	241	258	-
11	Columbus Blue Jackets	82	28	30	12	92	253	253	-
12	New York Islanders	82	29	34	5	91	233	241	-
13	New Jersey Devils	82	29	37	3	87	230	254	-
14	Florida Panthers	82	32	38	4	84	251	276	-
15	Toronto Maple Leafs	82	23	36	14	78	253	299	-
16	New York Rangers	82	25	39	9	77	238	250	-

Western Conference

#	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	PTS	GF	GA	Form
1	Colorado Avalanche	82	48	16	11	121	302	203	-
2	Dallas Stars	82	38	20	12	112	279	226	-
3	Minnesota Wild	82	31	24	12	104	272	240	-
4	Vegas Golden Knights	82	30	26	17	95	265	250	-
5	Edmonton Oilers	82	32	30	11	93	282	269	-
6	Utah Mammoth	82	33	33	6	92	268	240	-
7	Anaheim Ducks	82	26	33	6	92	273	288	-
8	Los Angeles Kings	82	22	27	20	90	225	247	-
9	San Jose Sharks	82	27	35	8	86	251	292	-
10	St. Louis Blues	82	33	33	12	86	231	258	-
11	Nashville Predators	82	28	34	10	86	247	269	-
12	Winnipeg Jets	82	28	35	12	82	231	260	-
13	Seattle Kraken	82	26	37	11	79	226	263	-
14	Calgary Flames	82	27	39	9	77	212	259	-
15	Chicago Blackhawks	82	22	39	14	72	213	275	-
16	Vancouver Canucks	82	15	49	8	58	216	316	-

Standings & Form

The New York Rangers sit at the very bottom of the NHL standings at 30th place with 67 points from 73 games, posting a 29-36-8 record. Their recent form shows some resilience with two wins and two draws in the last five outings, though their defense has been a persistent concern. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils hold 21st place with 76 points over 72 games, sporting a slightly better 37-33-2 record. Their last five games reflect a cautious approach with one win and three draws, indicating a team grinding for consistency.

Defensive Profiles

Defensively, both teams have struggled but in slightly different ways. The Rangers have allowed 180 goals against in 73 games, averaging about 2.47 goals conceded per game. The Devils have conceded even more, 190 goals in 72 games, which is roughly 2.64 per contest. Despite this, the Devils’ defense seems to hold up better in tight matchups, as suggested by their higher win count and fewer OT losses. This game could hinge on which team tightens its defensive structure first.

Offensive Efficiency

Offensively, these two teams are almost neck and neck, with the Rangers scoring 162 goals and the Devils 159. The Rangers average around 2.22 goals per game, while the Devils are slightly behind at 2.21. Both teams will need to capitalize on scoring chances given their defensive lapses. Special teams and power-play efficiency might play a critical role here, as both squads have shown inconsistency in converting opportunities.

Betting Outlook

Considering the current form and league positioning, the Devils appear to have a subtle edge, especially with the expert pick favoring them at -1.5 on the puck line. Their ability to eke out points in close games and marginally better win record could see them control this matchup. However, the Rangers' recent two wins and draws indicate they are not an easy out, making a straight moneyline bet on New Jersey a more cautious approach than expecting a wide margin.

Martin Anderson

Human analyst

Professional betting analyst with 10+ years of experience in sports data analytics and statistics. Featured on The Athletic, 433, and ESPN. Currently maintaining a 70% win rate this season across NHL, SHL, and Liiga markets. See the public track record.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's your prediction for this game?

The prediction for New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils favors the Devils to win, supported by their better standing (#21 with 76 points) compared to the Rangers (#30 with 67 points). New Jersey’s slightly stronger form (LWDDD) and a better goal differential trend, despite a negative figure (-31 vs. -18 for Rangers), indicates a more consistent performance. With no prior head-to-head games this season, the Devils' current momentum and higher league rank make them the probable winners.

Which team has better recent form?

Looking at recent form, the New York Rangers have recorded two wins, one loss, and two draws (WWLDD), reflecting some inconsistency. In contrast, the New Jersey Devils have a slightly steadier recent record with one win, three draws, and one loss (LWDDD). Overall, the Devils hold a 37-33-2 record compared to the Rangers' 29-36-8, positioning New Jersey higher in the standings and suggesting better season-long performance.

What are the best betting opportunities?

For New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils, betting markets focusing on total goals might be attractive given the teams' goals for and against. The Rangers have scored 162 goals and conceded 180 in 73 games, while the Devils have 159 goals for and 190 against in 72 games, indicating both teams are defensively vulnerable. With no prior head-to-head scoring data this season, markets like over/under total goals or both teams to score could offer value.

How do these teams match up historically?

There are no head-to-head games recorded this season between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, with both teams holding 0 wins against each other. This lack of recent direct matchups means bettors and fans will need to rely on current form and season statistics rather than past encounters for insights.

What are the key line matchups?

Key matchups in New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils will hinge on offensive versus defensive strengths. The Rangers average about 2.22 goals per game (162 GF/73 GP) while conceding 2.47 goals per game, indicating defensive challenges. The Devils score roughly 2.21 goals per game (159 GF/72 GP) but allow 2.64 goals per game, highlighting a similar defensive vulnerability. Recent form suggests the Devils may have a slight edge in consistency, making goaltending and defensive execution vital.

Should I bet on the favorite or underdog?

Betting value in the New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils game leans towards the Devils -1.5 puck line, as suggested by the expert pick, reflecting their superior standings and form. Considering both teams concede a high number of goals per game, the total goals market might also offer value, especially on the over side. Bettors should weigh the Devils’ consistency and league position against the Rangers’ home advantage to identify the best value bets.