Keys to the series: Inside the Rangers plan to bedevil the Devils.
By Marvin Azrak
In addition to their eye-opening skill, the Devils thrive off of speed. They led the league with 43 goals off the rush and, most notably, overwhelmed the slower Rangers in their meetings.
New Jersey’s relentless attack has allowed players like Tomas Tatar and Erik Haula to thrive and create constant scoring opportunities, leading to sustained offensive zone pressure. “When they have the puck, they like to circle and build speed, so you’ve got to be tight,” Jimmy Vesey said.
Stopping speed has been a problem for the Rangers this season. They finished 22nd in defending transition opportunities, 31st with 747 in even-strength giveaways, and their negative186 turnover differential was fourth worst in the NHL, respectively, according to Natural Stat Trick, as derived by lohoud.com. When they don’t score off the rush, the Devils crash the net well, as they rank third in banging in rebounds and first in creating net-front opportunities with 989 high-danger chances. Meanwhile, New York ranked 21st in rebounds against and 24th in chances against from the slot.
The Devils are an offensive juggernaut and will quickly make you pay for your mistakes. However, these Rangers have the playing style, talent, experience, and goaltending fit for the challenge.