New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Picks and Predictions January 9th 2025

Devils Seek Third Straight Win Over Slumping Rangers

The New Jersey Devils visit the New York Rangers on Thursday, looking to complete a season sweep of their Metropolitan Division rivals. Despite recent struggles, the Devils will rely on their dominant performances in the first two meetings, where they outscored the Rangers 10-1, to carry momentum into Madison Square Garden.

Devils Aim to Bounce Back

New Jersey (2-4-0 in their last six games) snapped a four-game losing streak with a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken on Monday. Jack Hughes, who shone in the December matchups against the Rangers, hasn’t scored in five games, matching his longest drought this season. However, he provided the key assist on Ondrej Palat’s game-winner against Seattle, a much-needed spark for the Devils.

“It’s not a fun feeling when you lose a few in a row,” said goaltender Jacob Markstrom. “We needed a win, and today was a big effort for our group.”

Hughes, who has 15 goals and 26 points in 22 regular-season meetings with the Rangers, will be pivotal if the Devils hope to rekindle their power-play success from their earlier encounters. The team has struggled on the man advantage lately, going 1-for-12 over their last six games.

Rangers Searching for Stability

The Rangers (6-16-1 since mid-November) are desperate to stop their free fall. A 5-4 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday highlighted their defensive lapses, as they squandered a three-goal lead despite a strong opening period.

“You gotta play 60 minutes, especially against a good team like that,” said Alexis Lafrenière, who scored twice against Dallas. “If we don’t defend, they’re going to score for sure.”

The Rangers are also dealing with significant injuries. Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil are both on injured reserve with upper-body injuries. New acquisition Arthur Kaliyev could make his Rangers debut, having been claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings earlier this week.

Goaltender Jonathan Quick started on Tuesday, but the Rangers hope to have Igor Shesterkin back from an upper-body injury. Shesterkin practiced Wednesday, raising optimism for his return to action.

Key Matchup: Hughes vs. Rangers’ Defense

Jack Hughes has terrorized the Rangers this season, racking up four goals and two assists in the first two meetings. New York will need to tighten its defensive play and contain Hughes if they hope to end their losing streak against the Devils.

The Rangers’ ability to sustain pressure and defend in transition will be critical, especially with their blue line tasked with limiting Hughes’ creativity and offensive explosiveness.

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High Stakes in the Metropolitan Division

For the Devils, Thursday’s game is an opportunity to regain form and reassert their position in the Metropolitan Division race. For the Rangers, it’s a chance to stop the bleeding and earn a morale-boosting victory against a familiar foe.

With playoff implications looming, both teams will be eager to make a statement at Madison Square Garden. Fans can expect an intense, fast-paced contest as these storied rivals battle for momentum in a tightly packed division.