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Rangers vs Devils: Failed renewal of the Hudson River rivalry

By Brendan Azoff

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 20: Adam Huska #32 of the New York Rangers braces for a third period shot from P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on September 20, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Rangers 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 20: Adam Huska #32 of the New York Rangers braces for a third period shot from P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on September 20, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Rangers 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 09: Tony DeAngelo #77 of the New York Rangers makes his way back to the bench after scoring his hat-trick goal at 15:02 of the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on January 09, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 09: Tony DeAngelo #77 of the New York Rangers makes his way back to the bench after scoring his hat-trick goal at 15:02 of the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on January 09, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Rivalries are formulated by the two P’s; proximity and playoffs. The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils Hudson River rivalry is no different, and the lack of postseason meetings has caused it to suffer recently.

It is hard to believe that it has been almost eight full years since the New York Rangers and Devils clashed during the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. Following Adam Henrique’s game-winning goal, coming just over one minute into the first overtime of the sixth and final game of the series, the Hudson River rivalry has gone into a downward spiral.

After a long lull in meaningful games between the bitter rivals since their stadium series match-up in 2014, many thought there would be a rejuvenation after the two teams were slated to pick atop the 2019 NHL draft. Rangers fans were set on selecting Kaapo Kakko after his brilliance at the 2019 World Championships, but the Devils lack of certainty at number one sent panic waves through Rangerstown.

Ultimately, the draft would pan out as anticipated, with Jack Hughes being selected by New Jersey with the first overall pick and Kakko falling into the Rangers’ lap at second overall. Rangers fans rejoiced and the tri-state area declared to rivalry to be back, yet the 2019-2020 NHL season meetings between the two teams did not live up to the hype.

In the four meetings between the Devils and Rangers this season, fans got to witness the Kakko and Hughes showdown just twice due to injuries to the Devils’ first selection. The matchup which was pivotal to the fans’ enjoyment of the rivalry failed to be as captivating as everyone thought. In the two games which saw the young phenoms faceoff, Hughes would average just 13:17 of ice time while Kakko would manage 14:57; both were Devils victories.

On top of the limited roles each of the young stars had in the rivalry showdowns, both Hughes and Kakko were in the midst of disappointing first seasons with their new clubs. Hughes had just seven goals and 14 assists which were good for 21 points to go along with -26 rating in 61 games.  Kakko, who played five more games, managed just 10 goals and 13 assists, totaling 23 points with a -26 rating as well.

But the Hudson River rivalry should be able to overcome a pair of struggling players, shouldn’t it? Well, unfortunately, it has not, and the reasons for that go beyond the makeup of the rosters.

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