New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers Picks and Prediction for Tuesday March 31 2026
The New Jersey Devils travel to face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM on March 31, 2026. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. New Jersey enters as a slight favorite with a -120 moneyline, while the Rangers are listed at +100. The puck line shows New Jersey at -1.5 (+205) and New York at +1.5 (-250), with the total set at 5.5 goals. As you prepare for this matchup, be sure to explore more insights with these free NHL Picks.
New Jersey Looking to Stay Competitive on the Road
The New Jersey Devils come into this game with a 38-33-2 overall record and a 19-18-0 record on the road. Over their last five games, they have shown mixed results, recently winning over Chicago, Nashville, and Dallas while losing to Carolina and Washington. That stretch reflects a team that has been able to generate offense at times but has not consistently strung together results.
From a statistical perspective, New Jersey is averaging 2.74 goals per game while allowing 3.06 goals against per contest. They generate 29.9 shots per game and allow 27.5 shots against. On special teams, the Devils have recorded 42 power-play goals with a 22.3% conversion rate, while allowing 38 power-play goals against with a 79.5% penalty kill percentage. They have also added 4 shorthanded goals and have not allowed any shorthanded goals against.
One key factor for New Jersey is their shot volume. Averaging 29.9 shots per game stands out as a strength, allowing them to create consistent pressure. However, allowing 3.06 goals per game highlights a defensive weakness that has contributed to their uneven results, especially in games where opponents capitalize on scoring chances.
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Rangers Trying to Build Momentum at Home
The New York Rangers enter this matchup with a 30-35-9 overall record and an 11-18-7 mark at home. Recently, they have picked up wins over Florida and Chicago but have also lost to Toronto, Ottawa, and Winnipeg. That pattern shows a team that has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly when trying to defend home ice.
Statistically, the Rangers are averaging 2.81 goals per game while allowing 3.12 goals against per contest. They generate 25.4 shots per game and allow 29.3 shots against. On the power play, New York has recorded 46 goals with a 24.3% conversion rate, while allowing 48 power-play goals against with a 78.7% penalty kill percentage. They have also contributed 6 shorthanded goals and, like their opponent, have not allowed any shorthanded goals against.
A notable weakness for New York is their defensive profile. Allowing 3.12 goals per game along with 29.3 shots against per contest highlights the pressure they face in their own zone. While their power play at 24.3% is a strength, it may not be enough to offset the defensive challenges if they cannot limit opportunities against.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers Picks and Prediction
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers Pick
Pick: New Jersey Devils Moneyline (-120)
New Jersey holds a slight edge in this matchup based on their overall statistical profile. While both teams have struggled defensively, the Devils generate significantly more shots at 29.9 per game compared to New York’s 25.4, which can create more scoring opportunities. Additionally, New Jersey allows fewer shots against and slightly fewer goals per game than the Rangers. These factors give the Devils a modest advantage, making them the preferred side on the moneyline.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers Total Pick
Pick: Over 5.5
I’m leaning toward the over in this matchup because both teams have shown vulnerabilities on the defensive side. New Jersey is allowing 3.06 goals per game, while New York is allowing 3.12, which suggests scoring chances will be available. With both teams also contributing offensively and neither allowing shorthanded goals, I expect enough sustained pressure to push this game beyond the total.
Final Score Prediction
New Jersey Devils 4 – New York Rangers 3
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Monday.
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