Time: 7:00 pm EST
Location: Prudential Center-Newark, NJ
Tonight, the New York Rangers visit the New Jersey Devils in game one of the “Battle of the Hudson” rivalry. This series dates back 32 years, with the first ever meeting between the two in 1982. Since that time, the Rangers have won a majority of the regular season games played with the Devils, compiling a record of 101-84-27-6. The two have met six times in the playoffs, with the Rangers winning four of them. Unfortunately, a sour taste is still felt by the Rangers faithful when Adam Henrique scored the winning goal in the 2012 Eastern Conference Final.
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The Devils enter tonight’s contest with a two game losing streak. After starting the season 3-0 and the offense looking improved, the Devils dropped their last games to the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals. They currently sit tied for third in the Metropolitan Division with six points. The Devils have allowed 11 goals against, while producing four goals in that span. The teams starting goalie is Corey Schneider, who entered the season as the number one goal for the first time in his career. Uncharted waters to say the least. He’s stepped in and has been asked to fill the shoes of the future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur. Schneider’s record entering tonight is 3-2 with a 2.97 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. The Devils leading scorer is first year forward Mike Cammaleri. The team acquired his services this offseason through free agency. So far he has not let them down, as he is leading the team in goals (5) and points (7).
As for the Rangers, the team is riding a two game winning streak, including a 4-0 victory over the Sharks, which is their most complete game so far. The team has brought their record back to .500 and are looking to add on and climb up the standings. Led by their leading scorer Rick Nash, the offense seems to be finding it’s way. To start the season, Nash is leading the NHL in goals with seven and is one behind Sydney Crosby for the points lead. In net, 10 year veteran Henrik Lundqvist may get the nod. After two subpar showings at home, Lundqvist finished the home stand with strong efforts: a 29-save shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes and a 33-save shutout win over the Sharks. If Alain Vigneault wants to reward the Lundqvist for his efforts, he could call upon Cam Talbot and give the King the night off. Talbot has started one game this season, a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. His other appearance was in relief of Lundqvist in a 6-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. In that game, he gave up one goal. Either way, confidence is high with the Rangers as they visit Newark.
Here’s what Alain vigneault had to say after Monday’s practice on
:
For the Devils, the spot light will be on Mike Cammalleri. He has registered a point in his last five games, including a two-goal showing against the Philadelphia Flyers back on October 9th. Since then, he has three goals and two assists while carrying a +3. Despite spending the past two years in the Western Conference as a member of the Flames, he knows the Rangers having taken part in games as part of the Montreal Canadiens.
The players to watch tonight for the Rangers will be the defensive corps. With the news that top defenseman Dan Girardi is listed as questionable for tonight’s tilt and Dan Boyle is still nursing a broken hand, there will be holes to fill on the defensive side. It is rumored that Vigneault may move Ryan McDonagh to the right side of the top defensive pairing. Also, Matt Kostka is rumored to make his third start of the season. Last game’s hero Matt Hunwick is expected to see more ice time tonight with John Moore as the third pairing. Marc Staal and Kevin Klein should get the 2nd defensive pairing duties. Last week, the defense gave up a total of 12 goals in the Rangers first two games at home. Since then, they have yielded one goal in their last two games.
Injury report: New York Rangers list Derek Stepan (fractured fibula ), Dan Doyle (broken hand) are out long term, Dan Girardi (stitches to left leg) is day to day and will be a game-time decision, Kevin Klein (stitches to facial area) is day to day but will likely play…New Jersey Devils do not list any injuries.