Game Details
- Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT)
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Broadcast: ABC, MSG+, NHL Network
This Metropolitan Division rivalry game sees the New York Rangers visiting the New Jersey Devils in an afternoon matchup with playoff implications. The Devils, riding a three-game win streak, aim to solidify their position in the wild-card race, while the Rangers, mired in inconsistency, look to snap a road losing skid and climb out of the division basement.
Recent Team Forms
The Devils enter on a hot streak, while the Rangers have struggled with consistency, particularly on the road.
New York Rangers (3-7 in last 10 games): The Rangers average 2.52 goals per game overall but have allowed 3.15, with a poor road record (1-4 in last 5 away). They’ve gone 4-6 ATS in their last 10 and trend over in 13 of 20 games. Key recent results:
- Mar 5 vs. TOR: W 6-2 (Artemi Panarin: 2 G, 1 A)
- Mar 2 vs. CBJ: L 4-5 (OT)
- Feb 28 vs. PIT: W 3-2
- Feb 26 vs. PHI: L 2-3
- Feb 24 vs. CAR: L 0-2
- Feb 22 @ PIT: L 5-6
- Feb 20 vs. NYI: L 1-2
- Feb 18 @ NYI: L 2-5
- Feb 15 vs. BOS: W 4-3
- Feb 13 @ SJS: L 1-3
New Jersey Devils (6-4 in last 10 games): The Devils average 3.05 goals per game while allowing 3.00, riding a three-game win streak with strong goaltending. They’ve gone under in 7 of their last 9 and are 5-5 ATS in their last 10. Key recent results:
- Mar 4 vs. TOR: W 4-3 (SO) (Nico Hischier: GWG in SO)
- Mar 3 vs. FLA: W 5-1 (Dougie Hamilton: 1 G, 1 A)
- Feb 28 @ STL: W 3-1 (Jacob Markstrom: 29 SV)
- Feb 26 vs. SJS: L 2-4
- Feb 24 @ VAN: W 5-3
- Feb 22 vs. EDM: L 1-3
- Feb 20 @ CGY: W 4-2
- Feb 18 vs. SEA: L 3-4 (OT)
- Feb 15 @ WPG: W 3-2
- Feb 13 vs. MIN: L 1-2
Injury Report
Injuries hit the Rangers’ forward group hard, while the Devils manage depth issues but remain relatively intact.
New York Rangers:
- J.T. Miller (C): Out (upper body; on IR, unrelated to prior injury, minimum 7 days)
- Matthew Rempe (C): Out (thumb; 26 GP, 1 G, 0 A)
New Jersey Devils:
- Brett Pesce (D): Questionable (undisclosed/lower body; day-to-day, expected out until at least Mar 12)
- Stefan Noesen (RW): Out (knee; on IR, surgery, out until at least Mar 14; 38 GP, 3 G, 4 A)
- Zack MacEwen (C/RW): Out for season (knee/ACL; 3 GP, 0 G, 0 A)
Key Player Matchups
This Hudson River rivalry often features high-intensity battles, with the Devils’ speed clashing against the Rangers’ skill. New Jersey’s home ice and recent form give them an edge.
- Artemi Panarin (NYR, LW) vs. Jack Hughes (NJD, C): Panarin (projected 30+ goals, playmaking leader) drives the Rangers’ offense but faces Hughes (speedy center, 20+ goals est.), who thrives in transition. Hughes’ quickness could exploit Rangers’ defensive gaps (allowing 28.8 shots per game).
- Mika Zibanejad (NYR, C) vs. Nico Hischier (NJD, C): Zibanejad (faceoff specialist, 52% win rate) anchors New York’s top line, but Hischier (defensive forward, recent GWG) excels in shutdown roles (high TOI: 19+ min). This matchup controls the neutral zone in a low-scoring tilt.
- Adam Fox (NYR, D) vs. Jesper Bratt (NJD, RW): Fox (quarterback, 40+ points est.) leads Rangers’ blue line with vision, facing Bratt (scoring threat, 25+ goals). Bratt’s agility tests Fox’s mobility, especially with Rangers allowing 3.15 GAA.
Other notables: Igor Shesterkin (NYR G: .890 SV%) vs. Jacob Markstrom (NJD G: recent strong SV%, 29 SV vs. STL); Timo Meier (NJD) vs. K’Andre Miller (NYR) for physical wing play.
Series History
The Rangers lead the all-time series 135-113-27-13, including a 21-20 edge in playoffs. Recent history is split, with the Devils winning the 2023 first-round series in seven games (including shutouts). In the last 20 meetings, Rangers hold a 10-9-1 record. Key recent results:
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- Jan 14, 2026: NYR 4-2 @ NJD
- Nov 8, 2025: NYR 3-1 vs. NJD
- Mar 30, 2025: NJD 2-1 @ NYR (last Devils win)
- Jan 10, 2025: NYR 5-3 vs. NJD
New Jersey has won 3 of the last 5 at home, with unders hitting in 6 of the last 7 head-to-head.
Betting Trends
- Rangers +1.5 (-164); Rangers have covered +1.5 in 6 of last 7 as underdogs.
- Total: Under has hit in 7 of Devils’ last 9 and 5 of Rangers’ last 6 road vs. NJD.
- ATS Trends: Devils 2-3 ATS in last 5; Rangers 4-6 ATS in last 10, but 3-2 ATS vs. Metropolitan foes.
Game Odds
New York Rangers 5.5
New Jersey Devils – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
