The New York Rangers (1-1-0) face the Detroit Red Wings (0-0-0) Friday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (TNT / TruTV / HBO Max). Let's analyze NHL odds around the New York Rangers vs. Detroit Red Wings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Rangers won 2-1, including a win in Detroit
The Rangers defused the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 in their home opener Thursday night. Goalie Igor Shesterkin literally did it all, stopping 24 of 25 shots between the pipes. He also scored the first goalie goal in franchise history as he slung it the length of the ice into the empty net to seal it. Newly acquired winger Pavel Dorofeyev scored his first points with a goal and an assist.
The Rangers dropped their season opener 3-0 at the Boston Bruins Tuesday.
The Red Wings open the season after a drama-filled offseason. They had changes in the front office, replacing legend Steve Yzerman, alongside a trade request by captain Dylan Larkin, who is out with an upper-body injury to open the campaign. They'll need young players to take a step forward, and LW Lucas Raymond will need to return to the 31-goalscorer from 3 years ago for this team to compete.
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Rangers at Red Wings odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 12:29 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Red Wings -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-225) | Red Wings -1.5 (+185)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Rangers at Red Wings projected goalies
Dylan Garland (2-0-1, 1.62 GAA, .948 SV% in 25-26) vs. John Gibson (29-22-4, 2.72 GAA, .901 SV%, 4 SO in 25-26)
The 24-year-old Garland has just 3 starts in his young career. It wouldn't be out of the question for Shesterkin to want the back-to-back, but he has played in the first 2 games, and they play again Sunday. Garland was good in his brief stint with the big club last season.
The 33-year-old Gibson begins his 14th season and second in Detroit. He had the most wins and best GAA of his career since 2018-19. The team has eroded in front of him, though. He lost his only meeting with the Rangers last season, allowing 3 goals on 19 shots.
Rangers at Red Wings picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 3, Red Wings 2
Moneyline
This is an easy RANGERS (+105) for me. They've already come down from +115 Friday morning. They're on a back-to-back, but the vibes are good after Thursday's win. Meanwhile, the Red Wings have lost a lot in the offseason filled with turmoil.
Puck line/Against the spread
No bet here, PASS.
Over/Under
This one could really go either way, but all 4 meetings went Under this number last season. LEAN UNDER 6 (-115).
Best prop bet
Rangers LW PAVEL DOROFEYEV OVER 2.5 SHOTS (+100).
He has 5 shots on goal in each of the first 2 games.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: New York Rangers at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and predictions
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