New Jersey Devils 23-30-4 50 pts 13th in east
Don't let the records fool you. Tonight's matchup in at the Prudential Center in Newark will be no cake walk for the struggling Rangers. The Devils come into this game with an impressive 8-1-1 mark in their last 10, and have been getting it done without the likes of Martin Brodeur. On the flip side, the Rangers have won 2 in a row after dropping 6 straight and look to continue their stellar play on the road this season.
The Rangers come into this game having won two straight on home ice, and look to carry their success with them to Newark. Although clearly not the way coach Tortorella scripted it, the Rangers managed to pull out a gritty 4-3 shootout victory over the red hot LA Kings. For the second time this season, a team on a tear has come into the Garden only to walk away baffled and disappointed (Rangers defeated Vancouver 1-0 when Vancouver was on a 14-0-3 run back on January 13th). Last night's victory saw the Rangers blow 2 1 goal third period leads in a matter of minutes, a blown 4 on 3 powerplay in overtime, and a mix of some fantastic goaltending to some terribly soft goals.
Just when it appeared Henrik Lundqvist was back on his game after making multiple big saves in the first, the king was tagged for 3 pitiful goals and the Rangers needed a shootout to prevail over the Kings' backup goaltender.
Seeing as Lundqvist got the nod last night, expect to see Marty Biron in net tonight in Newark. Biron has been very solid of late, and was one of the only bright spots for the Rangers when they were in a 6 game losing skid. On the flip side, Ilya Kovalchuk seems to have found his place in the New Jersey lineup. Although unlikely he will net 40 this season (first time since 02-03) he has been very hot of late, and the Rangers will have to keep a very close eye on him.
LATEST REPORT: LUNDQVIST IN NET TONIGHT AGAINST THE DEVILS
With a win tonight, the Rangers would find themselves only 1 point out of 6th in the Eastern Conference. Seeing as the Rangers don't match up particularly well with the #1 seeded Flyers and #2 seeded Lightning, it is imperative that they make a push for 6th and likely draw the Bruins, or it could be another 1 and done playoffs for the Rangers.
Then again, Boston just brought in Rich Peverley and is on the verge of making a deal for Tomas Kabarle. Seems as though the only safe place to finish in the East is 5th or 4th.
ReplyDeletePeverley blows.
ReplyDeleteThe trade was essentially Peverley for Wheeler. Virtually a wash but if I had to pick between the two I'd rather have Peverley.
ReplyDeleteYou're crazy.
ReplyDelete