New York Rangers back from break to face Devils
Rangers look to make second half a strong one with good start in Jersey
It feels like ages, but the NHL is back in action tonight. The blueshirts are also back in action as they head across the river to take on long-time rivals the New Jersey Devils.
The Rangers were starting to get hot going into the mini-vacation, winners of four of their last six. That’s good enough to put them into second place in the Metropolitan Division, three points ahead of the New York Islanders and four ahead of the Devils in the very tight race for the remaining playoff positions behind clear-cut division leader Washington.
In the last game before the break, it was center Derick Brassard that stood above the rest. He had two goals, five points in a 6-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, a career-best for him.
These two clubs have met once already this season back on October 18, with the Devils triumphing thanks to Lee Stempniak’s goal 3:07 into overtime. The Devils have been treading water at home this season, posting an 11-10-3 record. The Rangers, meanwhile, have not been good away from Madison Square Garden. With a 9-12-3 record on road ice, the Rangers need to pick up their play in the visitor’s den.
More from Rangers News
- Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
- Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
- Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle Set to Shine in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase
- Chris Kreider has had quite the Summer
- Andy Hosler Takes Helm as Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Rangers, Succeeding Jim Ramsay
With the break having come and gone, the Rangers will look to close out the regular season strongly and lock down the second spot in the Metropolitan.
Injuries
Rick Nash, who missed the past two games with a bone bruise in his left knee, didn’t practice on Monday though it isn’t certain if he’ll suit up tonight. Ryan McDonagh took a maintenance day yesterday, but should be in the lineup tonight after representing the Rangers during the All-Star game.
The Devils will be without winger Mike Cammalleri who was placed on injured-reserve with an upper body injury retroactive to January 26. He is the Devils leading scorer with 38 points and also leads the team with 24 assists. The Devils center Joseph Blandisi, left wing Reid Boucher and defenseman Seth Helgeson from Albany of the American Hockey League.
Keys
Desperation: It’s easy to get caught in the lull that the All-Star break brought, so the Rangers need to come out tonight with energy and play with some desperation. Every game from here on out is going to be a big one for the blue shirts, so that desperation needs to be there if the Rangers want to keep winning.
Goalie fight: There are few goalies in the league better than Cory Schneider and he proved that by representing the Devils in the All-Star game. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t been his usual dominant self this season, though he has played better of late. Winning the goalie battle will go a long, long way towards a Rangers victory.
Next: Rangers Top Prospects 20-16
Keep ’em hot: Offensively, things have been a bit up and down, but the one consistent is that center Derick Brassard has been the best forward on the ice for the Rangers. He was dominant the last time out, posting five points against the Sabres. If the Rangers want to keep winning, Brassard needs to keep performing at a high level.