New York Rangers vs New Jersey Prediction 18 March 2026
🔊 The Rangers will host New Jersey on their home ice in an NHL regular-season matchup. Both teams are virtually out of the playoff race, but this is a crucial divisional showdown where neither side will take it easy. This season, the Devils have already defeated the Rangers twice, including a recent 6-3 victory. Can the hosts seek revenge, or will the visitors prove superior once again?
Head-to-Head
📊 This season, the teams have faced off three times, with New Jersey leading the series 2-1. The most recent clash ended in a Devils victory. Looking at the last 10 games overall, it's all square, with each team securing 5 wins. Their encounters are often high-scoring affairs, as both sides frequently trade goals and don't focus heavily on defense.
Head-to-head statistics New York Rangers - New Jersey
New York Rangers Team Overview
The New York Rangers currently sit 16th in the Eastern Conference, with 64 points and a goal difference of 189-205. While they are no longer in contention for playoff spots, the team has shown noticeable improvement in recent games. Over their last stretch, the Rangers have won 4 out of 5 matches, delivering commanding victories against Calgary (4-0) and Winnipeg (6-3). Their offensive play has become more dynamic, consistently finding the back of the net. However, they stumbled in their latest outing, suffering a defeat to the Los Angeles Kings (1-4).
It's important to note that victories have not come easily-Rangers have failed to win in regulation time at home in 19 of their last 21 games. This highlights issues with consistency and maintaining leads. Overall, the team emphasizes offense but frequently makes defensive errors.
Match Results: New York Rangers
New Jersey Devils Team Overview
The New Jersey Devils sit one spot higher, holding the 15th place in the Eastern Conference with 68 points and a goal differential of 176-201. The team is in decent form heading into the match, having secured 3 wins in their last 5 games and currently riding a two-game winning streak. In their most recent outing, the Devils edged past Boston (4-3 OT), following a convincing victory over Los Angeles (6-4).
Despite playing an exciting, attacking brand of hockey, their defense remains a weak point. New Jersey frequently concedes a high number of goals and allows plenty of scoring opportunities, particularly against fast-paced teams.
Match Results: New Jersey Devils
⚡️ Key Players
For the Rangers, Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafrenière, and Adam Fox have been instrumental in recent matches. Zibanejad has tallied 5 points in 5 games (2 goals, 3 assists) and consistently contributes on the power play. Lafrenière is in peak form, amassing 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists) over the same stretch, including a standout hat-trick performance against Calgary. Fox adds depth from the back with 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) and effectively controls the tempo across the blue line.For New Jersey, Jack Hughes remains the pivotal factor, racking up 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in his last 5 games, including a dominant 4-point display against the Rangers. Jesper Bratt consistently supports the attack with 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists), serving as a key playmaker. Arseniy Gritsyuk has been less productive with 3 points over 5 games but provides depth and another offensive option.
🥅 Goalies
Igor Shesterkin remains the primary goaltender for the Rangers, enjoying a strong season with a 2.50 GAA and a 91.3% save percentage alongside 22 wins. However, even he struggles to bail out the team under heavy workload and weak defense. Jonathan Quick serves as the backup and is noticeably less reliable with a 3.05 GAA and an 89.2% save percentage.New Jersey faces less stability in goal. Jake Allen appears more dependable with a 2.69 GAA and a 90.6% save percentage, yet the team still concedes regularly. Jakob Markström has had an inconsistent season (3.10 GAA and an 88.5% save percentage) and often struggles in high-tempo games, which is particularly critical against offensively potent teams like the Rangers.
Editorial Prediction
This matchup has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. The teams have already faced each other three times this season, with two of those encounters surpassing the total goals line, including a recent game that saw nine goals scored. The Rangers are active at home, consistently creating chances-averaging 3.6 goals per game over their last five matches. However, their defensive issues persist, with frequent mistakes at the back.
New Jersey are also in strong attacking form, having netted 20 goals in their last five games, averaging four per match. They play an open style of hockey, attacking frequently but also conceding just as much. Considering the current form, playing style, and head-to-head history, an open game with plenty of chances and goals is expected here-our pick is over 5.5 total goals.
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Betting Tips: New York Rangers - New Jersey Devils
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in 19 of last 21 home games (NHL).in 14 of last 15 games (NHL).in 12 of last 13 home games against New Jersey Devils (NHL).in last 7 away games (NHL).
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