Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Series: Rangers 3-3 Devils
It’s the last of three Game 7s in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We’ve seen some surprises with the Florida Panthers stunning the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken ousting the defending champion Colorado Avalanche. Who knows what’s in store for Game 7 between the Rangers and Devils? It’s been an up-and-down series where the Devils fought out of an 0-2 hole. However, the Rangers stepped up in Game 6 to force the deciding game.
The Rangers Side
Igor Shesterkin will get the start and he’s arguably been the best goalie in the post-season. The Russian has kept his team in the series despite the offensive struggles. New York had a hard time getting any goals after New Jersey shifted to Akira Schmid in goal. Players like Mika Zibanejad were limited and Artemi Panarin has yet to break out. Chris Kreider was the only player to find any consistency, but he was limited after the first two games.
However, the Rangers finally generated pressure and traffic in front of Schmid. There was a sense of desperation in the Blueshirts that hadn’t been seen. Ruff even pulled Schmid in the third period to save him for tonight’s game. New York has confidence going into the pivotal contest. However, Game 7s are completely different animal.
The Devils Side
Schmid bailed New Jersey out of its early hole to give it a chance. However, the rest of the roster will have to bail him out. Jack Hughes has been solid as always. However, Erik Haula has stepped up this post-season for the Devils. Timo Meier is going to have to play like the player that the Devils gave a ton of capital to the San Jose Sharks.
New Jersey is great at defence, but this isn’t the squad that trapped and bored you to death. This group gets up and down the ice and can win in different ways. The offensive numbers may not jump off the page, but this roster has scoring pop. It’s a testament to the team that they can win a number of different way. The Devils can score goals, but also win a defensive rock fight if it has to.
Prediction
The Rangers have a roster loaded with playoff experience. Players like Patrick Kane, Kreider, Panarin and others have been through the winner-take-all scenario plenty of times. New York’s post-season experience was one reason the team got picked by some experts.
However, the Devils have handled everything that their rivals have thrown at them. New Jersey has gotten a post-season education and handled it fairly well. The traditional 1-8 playoff format would have seen the two teams in different matchups. However, this has been the matchup that we’ve all wanted.
Despite the Devils strong play, the experience edge give the Rangers the win. New York will get a date with the tough Carolina Hurricanes.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-2.
Main photo by: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
