We have some Monday matinee hockey on the slate - after losing to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon, the New York Rangers travel across the Hudson River to face the New Jersey Devils (22-11-3) at the Prudential Center.
As of right now, these are two teams traveling in extremely different directions. The Rangers have lost 12 out of 16 while the Devils have won four out of five. Last time the two teams met, New Jersey scorched the Blueshirts 5-1 at Madison Square Garden.
With the way the Rangers are playing, it would be quite an upset to win against New Jersey today. Here's three Rangers units that need to play well to make it happen.
1. Igor Shesterkin/Jonathan Quick
There's no confirmation on who will be in net, but regardless, the Rangers are going to need a strong performance.
Last time against the Devils, Shesterkin gave up five goals on 28 shots, and some of them were saveable. No, the Rangers did not help out - they gave up a massive amount of high-danger chances - but Shesterkin needs to make the saves possible in order to give New York a chance.
Shesterkin did play Sunday afternoon against Carolina, so if Peter Laviolette does go with Quick, he's going to need a much better performance than recent play. He has lost three out of his last four starts and has not had a save-percentage over .900.
2. The Penalty Kill
New Jersey has the No. 2 power play in the NHL at 29.5%, and as of right now, the Rangers have the No. 1 penalty kill. If recent games are any indication, New Jersey is going to get on the man-advantage - the Rangers had to kill seven penalties on Friday night in Dallas, then on Sunday afternoon against Carolina had to kill four.
On Sunday, Carolina's game-winner was a power play goal by Jack Roslovic, and if you go back to Dec. 2, the Rangers gave up a power play goal to Jack Hughes as New Jersey steamrolled New York.
The Rangers need to be stifling on the kill today. Or even better, don't take penalties.
3. Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Alexis Lafreniere
Throughout the entire 2023-2024 season, this was New York's best line. But, all three have plateued recently.
Last time the Rangers played at the Devils, this line was an absolute menace. Lafreniere had two goals, Trocheck had one goal and Panarin had three assists. They were incredible all night as the Rangers increased their winning streak to nine games.
Backs against the wall. To keep it short, difference-makers need to make a difference.