The outcome of the Metropolitan Division in the NHL is beginning to look like a foregone conclusion, as the Washington Capitals are now beginning to make things look a little too easy. The New York Rangers are comfortably in second place in the division, but they are still 16 points behind the leaders, and that would appear to be an insurmountable lead. The Rangers will still want to ensure that they land in second place, though, as that might be enough to get them a home ice advantage for at least one round in the playoffs. They are going well right now, but have a tough one on their hands on Tuesday night on the road against a New Jersey Devils team that is still very much in the playoff picture. Full NHL lines for this one will be up as soon as possible.
New York Rangers Vs New Jersey Devils NHL Odds Preview
When: Tuesday, February 23 Where: Prudential Center, NJ TV: MSG and MSG+ at 7 PM EST Radio: WEPN and WFAN Live Stream: MSG GO NHL Odds: TBAWhy bet on the New York Rangers
The Rangers (34-19-6) have ridden a pretty hot offense all the way to the second spot in the Metropolitan Division. They are top 5 in goals per game this season, but are going up against a team that has the best goals against average in the league. The Rangers have proven that they can win in a number of different ways, though, and that was very much evident in their 1-0 OT win over the Detroit Red Wing this past weekend. That win gave the Rangers a modest 2-game win streak, and put them at a healthy 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. The Rangers are 11-5-4 against Metropolitan Division opposition this season, but are just 1-1-1 versus the Devils. The Rangers have been treading water on the road this season, and are 12-13-3. They are averaging 2.8 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.Why bet on the New Jersey Devils
The Devils (29-24-7) have picked the worst possible time to go on a losing skid, as they now find themselves 3 points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. After their 4-3 loss to the Capitals over the weekend, New Jersey are now losers of 3-straight games, and are in desperate need of a win. They are just 4-4-2 in their last 10 games, and really cannot afford to lose any more ground, as we are getting to the point in the season where time is quickly starting to run out. The Devils are a couple of games over .500 on the road at 14-12-4, but are just 2-2-1 there in their last 5 games. New Jersey are averaging just 2.2 GPG, and are giving up a league best 2.3 PPG.
