Tonight offers up another instalment of the Hudson River Rivalry but with a twist as the New York Rangers attempt to move a step closer to achieving their postseason dreams.
After stunning the Washington Capitals on Thursday in what was arguably the most memorable game at Madison Square Garden in a few years, the New York Rangers must get back down to business against the New Jersey Devils.
While many are still salivating over the five-goal explosion from Mika Zibanejad on Thursday, there is a bigger picture at play.
With the New York Islanders losing to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, the Blueshirts could move a step closer to the wild-card by winning tonight.
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The omens are good given that the Rangers at an impressive 19-13-0 have the seventh-best record in the National Hockey League since Christmas, while they are 18-15-2 at Madison Square Garden.
Plus, with phenom goalie Igor Shesterkin on the cusp of a return from a misplaced rib fracture, the Rangers are well-placed to make a real run down the stretch.
However, tonight’s game at Madison Square Garden won’t be easy given that the Devils have shown some signs of life under Interim Head Coach Alain Nasreddine.
Despite trading away some key pieces at the Trade Deadline, the Devils have gone 16-9-7 since Christmas, ranked sixth in the NHL.
They are playing like a desperate hockey team right now and, with a plethora of players fighting for the right to be a part of the bigger picture in New Jersey, the Rangers will have to guard against complacency tonight.
Games between these two teams are always entertaining to watch and, given what is at stake for the Rangers, tonight’s contest should have extra spice attached to it.
This Season
Tonight’s game is the fourth and final encounter between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils this season.
The Devils won the first meeting of the year at Prudential Center on Oct. 17, but the Blueshirts have bossed the season series from that point on.
They shutout their rivals 4-0 at Prudential Center on Nov. 30, while the Rangers came out on top in a thrilling 6-3 contest at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 9, thanks to a hat-trick from Tony DeAngelo.