Devils vs Rangers Game 1 Prediction NHL Playoffs Picks 4/18

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Rangers vs. Devils - NHL Game Preview - April 18, 2023 | Rangers, Devils to Renew Stanley Cup Playoff River Rivalry

As the Stanley Cup playoffs kick into high gear, fans on both sides of the Hudson River are eagerly anticipating the first-round series between the Rangers and Devils. NHL picks experts, NHL picks computer algorithms, and NHL picks and parlay predictions from NHL today experts are all buzzing as everyone tries to figure out who will come out on top in this exciting river rivalry. The Rangers have a 4-2 record in their postseason matchups with the Devils, but New Jersey won the last one in 2012. This year's series promises to be a thrilling battle between two closely matched teams. The Devils finished the season with franchise records of 112 points and 52 wins, while the Rangers finished third in the division with 107 points. Both teams have key players to watch out for. Jack Hughes, making his playoff debut this year, is among the best passers in the league and has been a breakout star with the Devils. Meanwhile, the Rangers boast an experienced roster that includes Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin, among others. In terms of goaltending, the series will pit Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers against Vitek Vanecek of the Devils. Shesterkin, who led New York to the conference final last year, is looking like a Vezina Trophy candidate this season. Vanecek, meanwhile, has proven himself all year despite having only three career postseason starts. Ultimately, the series will likely come down to who executes the best, who defends the best, and who manages the puck best. Fans hoping to make the best NHL bets today will be watching closely to see which team comes out on top in this thrilling river rivalry.

Rangers: Offensive Analysis

As the Rangers prepare to face off against their cross-river rivals, the Devils, in the Stanley Cup playoffs, their offensive strategy will be crucial. While the Devils have a strong defense, the Rangers have an impressive lineup of experienced stars and young talent that can make all the difference in this series. One of the Rangers' key offensive weapons is their depth at center, with Mika Zibanejad leading the way. Zibanejad has been a steady presence for the team throughout the regular season, posting 52 points in 67 games. Along with Chris Kreider, who tallied 46 points, and the newly acquired Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, the Rangers have a strong presence down the middle. In addition to their centers, the Rangers have standout wingers in Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. Panarin is a proven goal-scorer, with 58 points in just 52 games this season. Meanwhile, Lafreniere has shown flashes of brilliance as a rookie, with 28 points in 58 games. The Rangers offense also benefits from their mobile defensemen, such as Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba, who can move the puck quickly and jump into the rush. This mobility and offensive creativity from the back end can catch the Devils off-guard and create scoring opportunities. Overall, with their experienced veterans and young offensive talent, the Rangers have the firepower to take on the Devils' formidable defense. While the Devils may be fast and dangerous off the rush, the Rangers have the size and strength to control the puck and cycle effectively in the offensive zone. Expect the Rangers offense to be a major factor in this series. 

Rangers: Defensive Analysis

As the Rangers prepare to face off against the Devils in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, their defensive strategy is key to securing a win. While the Devils are known for their fast-paced, rush-based offense, the Rangers have a strong defensive core that can withstand the pressure. Led by defenseman Adam Fox, who is a finalist for the Norris Trophy, the Rangers' defense boasts excellent puck movement and positioning. Fox's ability to read the ice and make quick, accurate passes is essential to the team's success, especially on power plays. In addition, Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba bring a physicality to the defensive zone that can disrupt the Devils' rhythm and create turnovers. Combine that with the solid play of new addition Patrik Nemeth and the steady improvements of K'Andre Miller, and the Rangers have a defense that can hold their ground against any opponent. The Rangers also have a strong goaltender in Igor Shesterkin, who has shown he can handle the pressure of postseason play. Shesterkin's quick reflexes and ability to track the puck make him a valuable asset in net, and he will need to be at his best to stop the Devils' high-scoring offense. Overall, the Rangers' defensive strategy will need to focus on slowing down the Devils' pace, containing their rush, and limiting turnovers. If they can execute this plan and play to their strengths, the Rangers have a solid chance of advancing past the first round of the playoffs.

Devils: Offense Analysis

The Devils have a potent offensive unit that can strike at any moment. Led by young phenom Jack Hughes, who is making his playoff debut, the team has set a franchise record with 112 points and 52 wins in the regular season. Hughes himself has been a standout with 43 goals and a franchise-record 99 points, showcasing his exceptional passing ability and skating skills. However, the Rangers will need to find a way to slow him down if they hope to win this series. The Devils' offense thrives on the rush, but they struggle when cycling the puck in the offensive zone. The Rangers' size and strength can disrupt the Devils' game plan and limit their scoring opportunities. Additionally, the Devils' defense is underrated and can shut down the Rangers' offensive threats if necessary. The key for the Rangers will be to avoid turnovers that can lead to the Devils' transition game. They will need to focus on managing the puck, defending effectively, and executing their game plan. With their playoff experience, the Rangers have a slight edge that can help them overcome the Devils' youthful exuberance and fast-paced style. NHL picks experts and computer models are likely to favor the Devils, given their impressive regular season record and talented roster. However, NHL picks and parlays may offer a more cautious approach given the Rangers' playoff experience and the unpredictability of playoff hockey. Ultimately, the team that executes their game plan and manages the pressure of playoff hockey will come out on top in this exciting river rivalry.

Devils: Defensive Analysis

As the Devils take on the Rangers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, their defensive strategy will play a crucial role in the outcome of the game. The Devils have an underrated defense that has the potential to shut down the Rangers' offense. Led by defenseman Dougie Hamilton, the Devils defensive line is one of the best in the league. Hamilton is a skilled skater and an excellent puck mover, which allows him to quickly transition from defense to offense. He is also a threat on the power play, with a deadly accurate shot that can find the back of the net. The Devils also have a strong goaltender in Vitek Vanecek. While he has only three career postseason starts, Vanecek has proven himself all year with a career-best record of 33-11-4. He is excellent at tracking the puck and has a quick glove hand that can make the saves that matter. The Devils' defensive strategy will be to limit the Rangers' ability to live off the rush. The Rangers thrive on quick transitions and speed, so the Devils will need to slow them down and force them to cycle the puck in the offensive zone. The Devils will need to avoid turnovers that fuel the Rangers' rush and instead rely on their size and strength to cycle in the Rangers' zone. Finally, the Devils will need to watch out for the X factors on the Rangers' offense, including their late acquisitions of Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko. The Devils' defense will need to stay sharp and shut down these game-changers if they hope to come out on top. In conclusion, the Devils have an excellent defensive strategy that could prove to be the difference maker in their first-round matchup against the Rangers. With the leadership of Dougie Hamilton and the goaltending of Vitek Vanecek, the Devils have the potential to shut down the Rangers' offense and take the series.

Injury Report

Both the Rangers and Devils will be entering the Stanley Cup playoffs without any major injuries to key players. The teams have been managing their roster well in the regular season, and they will likely continue to do so during the postseason. However, it's worth noting that the physicality of playoff hockey can often lead to unforeseen injuries. The Rangers have been relatively healthy this season, with only a few minor injuries to players like Ryan Lindgren and Julien Gauthier. For the Devils, defenseman Ty Smith missed some time with an upper-body injury but returned to the lineup towards the end of the regular season. Overall, both teams will be looking to stay healthy and focused as they renew their river rivalry in the playoffs. As NHL picks experts, we will closely monitor any updates regarding injuries and adjust our nhl picks and parlay accordingly. 

Prediction

This first-round series between the Rangers and Devils has all the makings of an entertaining and closely contested battle. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, which will make it difficult to predict the outcome. However, the Rangers have the edge in playoff experience and have been playing some of their best hockey down the stretch. If they can slow down the Devils' speedy attack and avoid turnovers, they should come out on top in this series.

Pick: Rangers (Moneyline)