Free NHL Pick: New York Rangers (100)
Fri Apr 18 ‘08 7:35p - Click Here for NHL Betting Odds
In all honesty, the New York Rangers should have swept their opening round series vs. the rival New Jersey Devils already, as the Devils’ lone win came on a lucky bounce in overtime. Look for the Rangers to officially put the Devils out of their misery tonight.

The Rangers actually bear a strong resemblance to the Devils’ Stanley Cup winning teams this season. They have a defensive mindset and a great goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, in fact allowing the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference at just 2.32 goals per game. This has more than offset the fact that the offense is averaging a rather ordinary 2.60 goals per contest.

However, that approach has worked to perfection vs. a Devils team that is also offensively challenged. The Rangers went 7-1 vs. New Jersey during the regular season, with the Devils not even managing a point against them until that lone victory, a 3-2 shootout win in the second-to-last games of the season.

Now the Rangers only average 2.56 goals on the road, but again, that is offset by the fact that the Devils only average 2.47 goals per game at home. Thus, it is not a total shock that the Rangers have yet to lose here in New Jersey all year, going 6-0 in the regular season and playoffs combined.

It was thought before this series began that the Rangers were the worst possible first round matchup for the Devils despite New Jersey owning the home ice advantage. Well, it appears that those fears were correct and we look for the Rangers to end the Devils’ season tonight by concluding a season sweep in New Jersey. - Courtesy of LT Profits

NHL Free Pick: Rangers +100