The Detroit Red Wings are home favorites over the New York Rangers ahead of their 6:30 p.m. ET puck drop at Little Caesars Arena on Friday, Oct. 2.
My favorite Rangers vs. Red Wings predictions and NHL picks expect New York to pull off the road upset in this Original Six clash.
TOP PICK
Rangers vs Red Wings prediction: Rangers moneyline
It’s early in the season, so the New York Rangers playing a back-to-back set doesn’t worry me, especially because there isn’t a time-zone change. The Blueshirts ice a superior roster, too, so I recommend this moneyline to 50%.
New York won the five-on-five possession battle when adjusted for score and venue during their 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, and each of the top-three lines found the scoresheet at 5-on-5 for the Rangers.
Additionally, while it was a small sample, I don’t think Rangers backup Dylan Garand is being properly priced into this moneyline.
He has oodles of international experience and posted a high-end .948 save percentage with 5.39 goals saved above expected across his first three NHL starts last spring, after all.
COVERS INTEL: The Red Wings will be without Dylan Larkin, who was second on the team in goals per 60 minutes last year. Go-to defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who paced the club in 5-on-5 minutes per game in 2025-26, is also out.
Rangers vs Red Wings combo
It’s been a quick hit for New York forwards J.T. Miller and Pavel Dorofeyev, with the duo on the ice for 4.75 goals and 7.14 expected goals per 60 minutes through two games.
They’ve also clicked for an impressive 56.8 CF% and 69.8 xGF% at 5-on-5, so I’m anticipating more of the same with the Detroit Red Wings icing a worse lineup than the one that allowed a healthy 3.1 goals per game in 2025-26.
Rangers vs Red Wings combo
- Rangers moneyline
- J.T. Miller 1+ points
- Pavel Dorofeyev 3+ shots
Rangers vs Red Wings player prop: Pavel Dorofeyev 3+ shots
Dorofeyev is quickly establishing himself as the go-to shooter for the club and is up to 10 shots on 15 attempts while also posting a rock-solid 54.0 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5.
Don’t forget, Dorofeyev also ranked Top 25 in both shots and attempts per 60 minutes last season, so this Over is in play to 57%.
Rangers vs Red Wings goal scorer: J.T. Miller
The veteran has been dangerous through two games with 0.89 individual expected goals and three high-danger scoring chances without finding the back of the net, so there’s value here down to 27%.
Miller has tilted the ice in his favor at five-on-five with a team-high 59.2 CF% and 68.7 xGF%, and he jumps the board with the No. 1 power-play unit, too.
- Top picks: 7-4, +3.36 units
- Combos: 1-3, +0.5 units
Rangers vs Red Wings odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Rangers 46% | Red Wings 55%
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (54%) | Under 5.5 (47%)
- Spread: Rangers +1.5 (69%) | Red Wings -1.5 (33%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Rangers vs Red Wings trend
The Red Wings have only won eight of their last 25 games (-11.95 Units / -40% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Rangers vs Red Wings
| Location | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 6:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, truTV |
Rangers vs Red Wings latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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