Rangers vs Devils storylines: Join the live conversation

The New York Rangers cross the Hudson River to take on the New Jersey Devils in a game with many storylines.

When it came to expectation for the three metropolitan area teams, the New York Rangers had the lowest.  The Islanders were coming off an excellent season under Barry Trotz and the Devils had the best off-season by acquiring P.K. Subban, Jack Hughes, Wayne Simmonds and Nikia Gusev.   So far, the Islanders are following the script, but the Rangers and Devils have flipped theirs.

The Devils have been on of the more disappointing teams this season, mired in last place with a record of 9-11-4.   Their point total is third fewest in the NHL and visions of another draft lottery are beginning to haunt Ranger fans.   The very idea of the Devils having a shot at three number one overall picks in four years is horrifying.

Storyline #1 – Draft lottery fear

Because Ranger fans are very afraid of the Devils lucking out in the lottery, there is a segment of Rangerstown actually rooting for the Devils to play better.   Just not today.

Storyline #2 – Kakko vs. Hughes (not today)

Kakko vs. Hughes is still a very viable storyline.  Although the two have not lived up to the hype, watching them play head-to-head is still pretty enticing.   There’s a problem. Hughes was injured blocking a shot  against Montreal on Thanksgiving Day and won’t play today.

When it comes to statistics, Hughes has four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 24 games. He has three power play goals, one game winning goal and had failed in the shootout three times.  He is averaging 16:02 minutes per game and is minus eight on the season.

Kakko has four goals and six assists for ten points in 22 games.  He has two power play goals and one game winning goal.  He scored in his only shootout appearance. He is averaging 15:06 minutes per game and is minus 13 on the season.

When it comes to advanced stats, Hughes is way ahead, but that is because Kakko has had the bulk of his good play on the power play and not at even strength.

So far, in their one head-to-head meeting, Hughes had one assist and Kakko was scoreless with the Devils winning.  It’s a chance for Kakko to put on a show for Hughes who will be watching.

Storyline #3  – Goaltending

The Devils goaltending has been awful this season and former top netminder Cory Schneider is in the minor leagues trying to find his game.  Mackenzie Blackwood has taken over as the top goalie, but Louis Domingue may be challenging him for that role.  Domingue was acquired from Tampa and in three appearances has a 1.76 GAA and a .926 save percentage.  Blackwood will get the start.  He is 2-0 in his two career games against the Rangers.

Meanwhile, goaltending has been one of the strengths for the Rangers.  Back up Alexandar Georgiev will get the nod this afternoon. Georgiev has been a little inconsistent, but has been very solid as Henrik Lundqvist‘s number two.

Storyline #4 – Animosity

These teams don’t like each other and it shows on the ice.  In New Jersey’s 5-2 win in October it was a chippy contest with 17 minor penalties between the two teams.  While there wasn’t a fight, Micheal Haley and Miles Wood got into a shoving match as did Brady Skjei and Taylor Hall.  Tony DeAngelo took slashing and cross checking penalties and Jesper Fast boarded Matt Tennyson.

Look for Brendan Lemieux to mix it up with the Devils.  He leads the league with 52 penalty minutes and four fighting majors.  The Blueshirts average 12:08 penalty minutes per game, most in the league.  Micheal Haley is also in the lineup. Oh oh.

Storyline #5 – Hynes vs Quinn

Devils coach John Hynes and David Quinn have been friends for 15 years and are even former roommates.  As a result, these games may have more meaning to the coaches than to their players.  Last season Quinn won the battle when the Rangers took three out of four from the Devils.  He’ll be looking to even it up for the season today.

Storyline #6 – Taylor Hall, the 800 pound gorilla

The focus of the entire Devils season seems to be on whether former MVP Taylor Hall will re-sign with New Jersey or flee for “greener” shores. Losing Hall would be devastating for the Devils and Ray Shero clearly was trying to build a contender in order to convince  his star to stay.  So far, it isn’t working.

Earlier this season Hall called out Devils fans for a lack of support.  If you want a clear sign that he isn’t happy, that’s one.  If Artemi Panarin can put on a show today, it could go a long way towards convincing Hall that there are better options away from Newark.  The Rangers may  not be a Stanley Cup contender yet, but they are having fun and that could help tilt Hall towards leaving.

Projected lineups

With Jack Hughes out of the lineup, he will be replaced by Kevin Rooney who has missed seven games with an upper body injury.

Micheal Haley will be in the game for Boo Nieves.  Haley is a natural center so he will probably be the pivot on the fourth line.

New York Rangers
20 Kreider — 93 Zibanejad — 89 Buchnevich
10 Panarin — 72 Chytil — 16 Strome
48 Lemieux — 21 Howden — 24 Kakko
42 Smith — 38 Haley– 17 Fast

76 Skjei — 8 Trouba
55 Lindgren — 23 Fox
25 Hajek — 77 DeAngelo

40 Georgiev
30 Lundqvist

New Jersey Devils
9 Taylor Hall – 13 Nico Hischier – 21 Kyle Palmieri
90 Jesper Boqvist – 16 Kevin Rooney – 17 Wayne Simmonds
20 Blake Coleman – 19 Travis Zajac – 97 Nikita Gusev
44 Miles Wood – 37 Pavel Zacha – 63 Jesper Bratt

6 Andy Greene – 28 Damon Severson
45 Sami Vatanen – 76 P.K. Subban
8 Will Butcher – 7  Matt Tennyson

29 Mackenzie Blackwood
70 Louis Domingue

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The game will be televised on the MSG Network and the radio call is on ESPN 98.7 FM.