New York Rangers go in search of spoils against Devils
After finally returning home on Tuesday following a lengthy road trip in Canada, the New York Rangers will get to enjoy Madison Square Garden again tonight when they take on the New Jersey Devils.
Fresh off an emotionally-charged win over the Colorado Avalanche which marked the NHL debut of Igor Shesterkin, the New York Rangers must now switch their attention to the Devils who have shown signs of life recently.
Picking up at least a point in five of their last seven games with a 4-2-1 record, the Devils also have a 5-3-2 record in their last 10 outings, proving life after Taylor Hall isn’t all that bad.
It should be a tightly-contested showdown between two teams who probably have got half an eye on next year already.
For the Rangers, the playoffs are still a faint possibility but it is likely that they will sell off some more assets at the Trade Deadline as they continue with the rebuild.
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So, in a year that will more than likely end in early April again, small victories are all the rage and that would include beating the Devils.
Ask both sets of fans and they will all tell you that coming out on top in the Hudson River Rivalry game is that little bit sweeter, and that will again be the case tonight for whoever emerges victorious.
It is also important for the Rangers to continue their maturation process, and that includes following up an emotional night on Tuesday with a second consecutive win tonight.
They need to buck that trend of lurching from one end of the spectrum to the other, so a match-up against an improved but still flawed Devils team is an opportunity to do just that.
Whatever happens, these games are always fun to watch and hopefully it will be the Blueshirts celebrating victory.
This season
Tonight’s tilt is the third of four meetings between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils this year.
The season series is currently split with the Devils winning the first contest 5-2 October, although the Blueshirts got their revenge a month later.
Making the short trip to the Prudential Center on Nov. 30, the Rangers smoked the Devils in a 4-0 blowout win, with four different scorers getting on the board.
After tonight, the Devils and the Rangers will conclude their season series on Mar. 7, at Madison Square Garden.
About the Rangers
As already mentioned, it is looking increasingly likely that the New York Rangers won’t be involved in the postseason.
However, if the Blueshirts are to make a miraculous run to the playoffs then now is the right time to start.
Because, five of the Rangers’ six games prior to the All-Star break come against teams in the Metro Division, while 18 of their final 40 regular season games are also against Metro Division opponents.
That should be encouraging given that the Rangers are 7-1-0 in their last eight contests against Metro Division opponents, so they could do some damage.
However, if nothing else, it gives the Rangers the opportunity to fatten up their record and build some confidence even they don’t make the postseason, and that will be important heading into next year.
As for tonight’ game, the Blueshirts are 11-8-2 at Madison Square Garden this year, while they have earned a win in each of its last three home games, outscoring their opponents 15-7.
Six of the last 13 meetings between the Rangers and the Devils have been determined by one goal, although don’t expect that outcome tonight given how both teams play defense.
And Artemi Panarin must be eager to lace up his skates tonight given that he has posted four multi-point games in his last nine outings against the Devils (three goals, nine assists).
Finally, according to Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today, Igor Shesterkin was in the starters net at morning skate so he could get his first taste of the Hudson River Rivalry tonight.
Defenseman Ryan Lindgren was also a full participant, while the lines remained unchanged for the Rangers.
About the Devils
Life after Taylor Hall really isn’t that bad at all.
Despite losing a former Hart Trophy winner, the New Jersey Devils have started to show signs of improvement under Interim Head Coach Alain Nasreddine.
They have picked up at least a point in five of their last seven games (4-2-1) and seven of their last 10 (5-3-2).
Much of that recent success is down to three players: Nico Hischier, Kyle Palmieri and Nikita Gusev.
All three have recorded 10 points over the last 10 games while defenseman Sami Vatanen has tallied nine points, making him tied sixth in the NHL in scoring among blueliners dating back to Dec. 18.
The Devils have also won three straight games on the road and are 6-8-3 since December, although they will probably be sellers at the Trade Deadline.
That means that the likes of P.K. Subban, Wayne Simmonds and maybe even Palmieri could be on the market, so things are likely to get worse rather than better for the remainder of the regular season.
In terms of tonight, No.1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Jack Hughes will not be available because of an upper-body injury, while forward Jesper Bratt is also out (lower-body).
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is rated as probable for the game (mouth), meaning that Louis Domingue will likely go against the Rangers.
Three Keys to the game
- Protect Igor – It appears likely that rookie goalie Igor Shesterkin will get another chance to impress in net for the New York Rangers tonight. If that is the case then the Blueshirts need to make sure they give their talented prospect as much help as possible, which includes not leaving him exposed early as they did against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
- Win the physical battle – It is no secret that the Rangers lack a physical presence, especially with Brendan Lemieux currently out. That is a problem and that will be especially evident tonight against the Devils who boast some big bodies on their roster. However, the Blueshirts do have players that can mix it up if needed and it will be on the likes of Jesper Fast and Brendan Smith to stick up for their teammates and give it back to the Devils.
- Let Panarin and Zibanejad do their thing – When Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad produce the goods, the Rangers normally end up on the winning side. So, just give the puck to the dynamic duo and let them do their thing against a Devils team ranked 30th in Goals Against Per Game. Plus, Panarin has four multi-point games in his last nine contests against New Jersey, so hopefully that continues tonight.
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About the game
Faceoff tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden and will be televised on ESPN +, MSG and MSG +, while ESPN 98.7 FM will carry the game on radio.
Join the live conversation on Blue Line Station during the game. The live thread should be up about an hour before puck drop!