New Jersey vs New York Rangers Prediction 15 October 2026
🔊 New Jersey and the Rangers head into another derby on the back of very different results. The Devils have struggled to hold onto leads, even in games they've managed to win, while the New Yorkers find themselves among the Eastern Conference frontrunners after seven outings. Last season, however, it was New Jersey who came out on top, defeating their neighbors twice. Can the hosts spring another surprise against a rival enjoying a stronger start to the campaign?
Last season, the Devils held the upper hand.
📊 Last season, New Jersey claimed two wins from three encounters, while the Rangers managed one victory. The Devils also outscored their rivals 13-10 across those matchups. During preseason, both sides secured home wins, so neither team has managed to establish lasting dominance in recent meetings.
Head-to-head statistics New Jersey - New York Rangers

They have to grind out wins in overtime.
Three wins in six games isn’t a disastrous start, but New Jersey are still giving their opponents too much room. In four of their last five outings, the Devils have conceded at least four goals. Jake Allen has a save percentage of 88.5%, allowing an average of 2.98 goals per game. On the bright side, the team are slowly improving their power play, converting five of their last eleven opportunities. It’s those goals that keep them in contention when their defense is struggling. Two of their three victories-against Philadelphia and Detroit-came in overtime.
The clash with the Red Wings (5-4 OT) showcased both sides of this current New Jersey team. In the opening period, the Devils outshot their opponents 15-3, controlling possession in the offensive zone and denying Detroit any real rhythm. But after the break, that dominance faded: the second period alone saw five combined goals. Evan Rodrigues and Anthony Mantha each notched their first goal for their new club, while Nico Hischier scored on the power play. Ultimately, it all came down to overtime, where Jack Hughes broke free for a one-on-one with the goalie. After the game, Sheldon Keefe admitted his team looked fatigued in the latter stages.
Match Results: New Jersey Devils

They are coping well without Shesterkin so far.
The Rangers have picked up six wins in their last seven games, collecting 12 points along the way. New York have scored 27 goals while conceding an average of just 1.75 per game. Their penalty kill has also been impressive-opponents have converted only two of 24 power play opportunities. With Igor Shesterkin sidelined by injury, all eyes are on Dylan Garand, but the young netminder has stepped up admirably so far. He’s won his first three starts of the season, posting a stellar .951 save percentage. All five of the Rangers’ home games have ended in victory, but now they’ll look to prove they can maintain that level of confidence on the road.
Their most recent outing against Tampa Bay (4-1) got off to a near-perfect start for the hosts. Alexis Lafrenière opened the scoring just 62 seconds in and went on to bag a brace. The Lightning managed to pull one back, but Will Cuylle restored the two-goal cushion late in the second period. In the third, the Rangers played it safe, barely allowing Tampa any real chances. The Lightning had two power plays but failed to capitalize on either-and on their second attempt, Mika Zibanejad scored shorthanded into an empty net. Dylan Garand secured another win as Mike Sullivan’s side extended their impressive home streak.
Match Results: New York Rangers
Prediction for the 1st period
Rangers rarely score twice before the first intermission. In 13 of their last 15 games, the New Yorkers have managed no more than a single goal in the opening 20 minutes. On the road, this trend has continued for eight straight games. Even with New Jersey’s defensive struggles, it doesn’t necessarily mean the visitors will erupt offensively in the first period. The recommended bet is Rangers under 1.5 goals in the first period.
Total Prediction
When playing at home against the Rangers, New Jersey rarely struggle to find the back of the net. In six of their last seven head-to-head meetings on home ice, the Devils have scored at least three goals. The hosts continue to generate quality chances, as evidenced by their recent performance against Detroit. However, New York’s current defensive unit looks more solid than most teams the Devils have faced. The pick: New Jersey Individual Total Over 2.5 Goals.
Match Outcome Prediction
New Jersey have picked up three wins to start the season, but only one of those came in regulation. Looking at a broader stretch, the Devils have failed to secure a regulation victory in seven of their last eight outings. Meanwhile, the Rangers have been far more convincing, winning six of their past seven games. Given this clear difference in defensive reliability, the visitors are well positioned to avoid defeat. The recommended bet is Rangers to avoid defeat in regulation.
⭐️ Editor’s Prediction
The Rangers aren’t just winning-they’re piling on the goals. In four of their last five outings, they’ve found the net at least four times. What’s more, New York’s attack is getting a boost from their defense: opponents rarely sustain pressure in the Rangers’ zone, and quick transitions after turnovers allow the Blueshirts to strike fast. Against this backdrop, New Jersey’s struggles look even more glaring.
The Devils have conceded at least four goals in four of their last five games. Even Detroit, despite being outplayed by Sheldon Keefe’s side in the opening period, managed to score four times and force overtime. The Rangers have scored at least three goals in each of their last three head-to-head meetings with the Devils. Given the visitors’ current firepower and the hosts’ defensive woes, I expect New York to put up at least three goals here. My pick: Rangers individual total over 2.5 goals.