Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers are set to clash with minimal recovery time between games. The Devils have taken the lead in the Eastern Conference standings, sitting one point ahead of the Washington Capitals. On home ice, they have excelled and will be striving to extend their winning streak to four games. In stark contrast, the Rangers are going through a crisis, currently occupying sixth place in the Metropolitan Division, putting their playoff hopes at risk. The visitors will be eager to avenge their heavy loss suffered at the beginning of December, but three games in as many days present a formidable challenge.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have secured victory in four of their last five encounters. On average, they're scoring 3.3 goals per game, having added 16 goals in their last five outings (3.2 on average). At home, they've embarked on a three-game winning streak, netting at least three goals in each of these matches. Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt remain the team's key offensive threats, with 42 and 43 points respectively. In their recent meeting with the Rangers (5:1) the duo combined for seven points.
New York Rangers
The Rangers have managed just two victories in their last eight matches, a tally insufficient for a team with lofty ambitions. During this stretch, they have conceded 22 goals (3.1 on average), showcasing a defence that's particularly vulnerable against potent offensive lines like that of the Devils. On the road, the Rangers have lost six of their last eight games, consistently allowing at least three crucial errors in six out of nine instances. Even Igor Shesterkin, who boasts an impressive save percentage of 91.2%, has struggled to single-handedly lift the team. Additionally, this will be the Rangers' third game in three days, marking a significant toll on their physical condition.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers Prediction
The New Jersey Devils emerge as clear favourites for this matchup. They play on their home rink and boast a formidable attack. Meanwhile, the Rangers have appeared lacklustre on the road and can't claim a solid defensive record in recent games. Their previous encounter was a decisive victory for the Devils (5:1), a scenario that could easily repeat itself.
