The New York Rangers will face-off against their second Atlantic Division rival tonight, Tuesday Feb 7th, which will be the New Jersey Devils, at MSG. The Rangers have won three straight over the Devils. NHL oddsmakers have the Rangers as -170 moneyline home favorites over the Devils (+150) with the over/under set at 5 goals. Be sure to check the New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers 2012 NHL Picks before they drop the puck.
New Jersey (30-19, 15-10 V) wanted to show a lot of doubters that they could play with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. They are 4-0 since the All-Star break, with victories over the Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. They got a 5-2 triumph over the Penguins today at the Prudential Center, as the Devils capped a weekend which sure looked like they were making a statement to the conference’s contenders.
Ilya Kovalchuk and captain Zach Parise are leading the charge for the Devils. Parise scored his 20th goal of the season and picked up an assist, giving him seven points (five goals, two assists) in the last five games. With a goal and two assists, Kovalchuk has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in the last four games. His 22nd goal of the season today was his 750th career point.
New York (33-12, 16-5 H) landed a third-period knockout over Philadelphia in a 5-2 win on Sunday that extended their domination over the Flyers to four straight. New York’s Artem Anisimov made a tip-in in the first minute to put the home Rangers ahead. Brayden Schenn scored for the Flyers midway through the second before Marian Gaborik put New York back in front with his 26th goal of the season. Michael Del Zotto, Brandon Dubinsky and Ruslan Fedotenko were the goal scorers who put the game away in the third after Philadelphia had hung close through the first two periods.
The Rangers cannot afford to be giving teams constant power plays. The Devils have a decent power play, as they have Ilya Kovalchuk who can bomb it from the point at any given moment. With that said, the Rangers need to keep themselves out of the penalty box tonight, and stick to how they play hockey. Spending almost the entire practice dedicated to the power play, couldn’t solve the Rangers power play woes. They are 1-for-27 on the power play. I’m really confused as to why they play great hockey, but as soon as they are given a power play, it seems as if they completely forget it. At points, it seems like they can’t even gain the zone, even with one less opponent on the ice. Tonight, the Rangers are sure to get some power play time, and they absolutely need to find a way to score, there are no excuses anymore.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in New York.
Devils are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Devils are 5-0 in their last 5 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.
Devils are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
Devils are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Devils are 7-1 in their last 8 games as a road underdog.
Devils are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Atlantic.
Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200.
Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 games as a favorite of -151 to -200.
Rangers are 10-2 in their last 12 vs. Atlantic.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
When: Tuesday, Feb 7th@7:00 PM EST
Pick: Rangers -170
Point-Spreads recommends you check the Devils vs Rangers 2012 NHL Picks before they drop the puck.
The Bottom Line: The Rangers can’t do wrong playing at home, especially after the Giants won the Super Bowl. Maybe the Lombardi Trophy will be in the house. NHL Point Spreads Expert Tyler Morgan turned in another successful NHL weekend. Morgan is now 5-2 and his 2011-2012 NHL Picks record is an astounding 22-9 (70 %). Tyler’s moves put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week during the regular season. The good news for NHL bettors is – TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account during the 2012 NHL season by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NHL Picks Free!
