This is a 2% PLAY
Play: New York Rangers ML (+126) at Fanduel
I see plenty of value on the Rangers as a plus-money underdog tonight against New Jersey.
New York has been one of the stronger teams in the NHL to begin the season, entering this matchup 6-2-0. Despite that strong start, we are still getting +126 against a Devils team sitting at just 3-3-0.
I’m also not overly impressed by New Jersey’s three victories. The Devils have beaten Philadelphia, Vancouver and Detroit, three teams that are a combined 3-14-5 this season. When New Jersey has stepped up in competition, the results have been much less impressive.
Goaltending was initially a concern for New York after losing Igor Shesterkin, but Dylan Garand has been outstanding. Garand enters this matchup 3-1-0 with a 1.15 GAA and .951 save percentage, giving the Rangers excellent play in net despite the injury situation.
New Jersey has certainly had the better of this rivalry recently, and that is something worth respecting. However, I’m willing to overlook the recent head-to-head results at this price because of how differently these teams have performed to begin the season.
The Rangers are 6-2, getting elite goaltending from Garand and have already proven themselves against stronger competition. New Jersey’s 3-3 record has been built entirely on victories over struggling teams.
At +126, I think we are getting too much value on the team that has played the better hockey so far.