Devils vs Rangers Betting Odds – New Faces in Old Rivalry

NHL Odds: Pick New Jersey Devils

While the Super Bowl odds are the main focus, there will be plenty of eyes on the ice on Saturday. Any previous evaluation of the New Jersey Devils flew out the window when they announced the acquisition of Ilya Kovalchuk on Thursday. Kovalchuk is without a doubt one of the premier scorers in the NHL, and it didn’t even seem the Devils gave up that much to get him. He gives New Jersey a completely different look, as other teams now have to prepare for a potential outburst of scoring; not a particularly common thought when preparing to face the Devils.

The Rangers too made big moves this week as well. On Wednesday a deal was finalized that sent Chris Higgins and Ales Hemsky to Calgary in exchange for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. Jokinen has always been seen as someone who could be great but never quite reached the threshold. The Blueshirts are hoping his return to the east coast (Jokinen has played for the Islanders and Panther) will be enough to spark the Finnish centre.

Devils vs Rangers betting odds:

New York Rangers 12-14-4 at Madison Square Garden

Devils forward Ilya Kovalchuk: 1 goal, 1 assist in six games before trade

Devils goalie Martin Brodeur 2-1-0 with one shutout vs Rangers this season

The New Jersey Devils completed one of the most significant trades in franchise history. This is especially so if they can sign Kovalchuk to a long-term deal. The talent New Jersey gave up is nothing that can’t be replaced. In exchange for Kovalchuk, the Devils gave up their 2010 first round pick, defensemen Johnny Oduya and forwards Niclas Bergfors and Patrice Cormier. The 2010 first rounder is more-than-likely a 20-27th overall pick; not something Jersey brass would be afraid to part with. Online betting says Bergfors is a solid young offensive contributor, but not expected to reach high scoring levels on a consistent basis. Cormier has potential, but he is currently suspended for the rest of the season in the QMJHL after a vicious elbow-to-the-head hit on a fellow player two weeks ago.

The biggest name the Devils gave up is Oduya. The 28-year old is a great puck moving defensemen and, while not a cornerstone player, is someone every team would like on their blue line. The loss of Oduya may hurt the Devils the most, especially since top defenseman Paul Martin is still out with an injury. Still, the Devils received a superstar for a handful of parts. The sportsbook betting odds knows Kovalchuk has more talent around him now and a better system to work in than he had in Atlanta. The Devils quickly and loudly established themselves as a new force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

As for the Rangers, their trade this week was much less reported, but still very significant. The addition of Olli Jokinen could prove to be very valuable in the long run, as he does have the offensive potential to be a major force. And with the way the season has gone for New York, they can use all the help they can get.

After starting the season so hot, the Rangers have faded fast and on the outside of the playoff picture. Much of that has to do with the fact that no one on the Rangers outside of Marian Gaborik knows how to score consistently. Gaborik leads the team in both goals, with 34. Ryan Callahan is next with 13, and Brandon Dubinsky follows him with 11. No one else on the team has double digits in goals. This is why the Rangers brought in Jokinen. Jokinen scored 11 goals and added 24 assists this season with the Flames, which already puts him third on the team in goals and points. But NHL betting says beware with Jokinen. As offensively gifted as he can be, there is a reason that the center has been on six different teams in his career.

The recent play of Henrik Lundqvist is also a concern for New York. The Swedish netminder has lost six straight, allowing more than four goals in three of those contests. Jokinen and Lundqvist will be key in bringing New York back into postseason consideration.

DON’S PICK:
The Devils should be able to ride the Kovalchuk momentum for the next little while. The Rangers just aren’t a good enough team right now to be able to stop them.

Devils vs Rangers Betting Pick: New Jersey Devils

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