After snapping a six-game losing streak with a win over Montreal, the Devils are back in action tonight against their biggest rivals.
While the rivalry hasn't lived up to its billing as much over the last couple years - in large part due to New Jersey's struggles - this is a game that still means more than two points for most involved.
This is a matchup between two teams in very different spots, obviously, as the Rangers are chasing the Presidents' Trophy, whereas the Devils are looking ahead to their future, and starting to give their young players legitimate ice time.
Take last night's game, for example. Jacob Josefson scored a nice shootout goal, Reid Boucher and Stefan Matteau both scored in regulation, plus Adam Larsson and Jon Merrill recorded assists in the win.
Including shootout goals the Devils beat Dustin Tokarski four times. Three of those came from their kids, and the other was a highlight real play from a very familiar name.
Patrik Elias, everyone. https://t.co/k9UPwyQRoZ
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) April 4, 2015New Jersey will likely go with the same lineup tonight, with the exception being Cory Schneider getting the nod in goal.
The Rangers can score with the best of them, and they've gotten excellent goaltending all season long - even without Henrik Lundqvist - so this will be a tough game, especially in a back-to-back situation.
As is the case more often than not, the Devils are the lesser team at even-strength. They'll need a) good goaltending and; b) to win the special teams battle in order to make up for that.
The Devils aren't playing for anything (in terms of chasing a playoff spot) but, with their next two games against New York, you can bet they'll be looking to spoil the Rangers' party, so to speak.
A couple wins would likely prevent the Rangers from winning the Presidents' Trophy, which would be a small win in a year full of losses.
Recent posts