Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.

The New York Rangers travel to New Jersey for a divisional showdown against the Devils on March 7, 2026. This Metropolitan Division matchup features two teams heading in different directions, with the Devils showing stronger recent momentum while the Rangers are searching for consistency.

Team Form & Recent Performance

The Rangers enter this game with a 3-5-2 record over their last 10 games, winning just 2 of their past 5 contests. This inconsistency has been a defining characteristic of their recent stretch, and they'll be looking to stabilize with a road victory against a divisional rival. New York has the benefit of rest heading into Friday, as they're not playing on consecutive nights.

The Devils, meanwhile, have caught fire with 3 wins in their last 5 games, demonstrating significantly better form than the Rangers. Despite carrying a 4-6-0 record in their past 10, New Jersey's recent trajectory is decidedly more positive. Like the Rangers, the Devils also avoid the back-to-back disadvantage, meaning both teams should be relatively fresh. This evens the playing field on the rest front, placing emphasis on overall team quality and underlying performance metrics.

This isn't just about shot volume; it's about shot quality and offensive execution. The Devils are generating chances from dangerous areas more consistently.

Goalie Matchup

Igor Shesterkin takes the crease for the Rangers, carrying a respectable 19-12-6 record. The Russian netminder has been dependable but has faced inconsistent team support. Opposite him, Jiri Markstrom starts for the Devils with an 18-14-1 record. Both goalies are capable, but Markstrom has had the benefit of slightly better offensive support from his team's superior even-strength play.

Shesterkin will need to be sharp to steal this game, as the Rangers may find themselves under sustained pressure given New Jersey's dominance in shot volume and quality metrics.

Prediction

While the Rangers have quality in net with Shesterkin and can't be counted out, the Devils' more consistent underlying performance and improved recent form make them the slight favorites in this division contest. New Jersey's possession metrics suggest they should control play for significant stretches.