12/20/11 Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils

I make a rich woman beg, and I make a good woman steal.

Rangers against the New Jersey Devils.

The first meeting of these two teams this season. As all well  know, the Rangers and Devils never disappoint when they meet, and tonight will be no different. The Rangers are coming off of a very uplifting victory over the Phoenix Coyotes where Brad Richards scored the game winner with a tenth of a second left on the regulation clock to win the game. That was a much needed win for the Rangers, as they were at risk of losing three in a row had they not scored. But now, they are rejuvenated, and are looking to take a crack at the Devils in New Jersey tonight. Some worse news came to the forefront this week, as more of the Rangers defensemen went down with injuries in their game against the Coyotes. Steve Eminger hurt his shoulder, and will be out for 8-10 weeks. Along with him, Jeff Woywitka will potentially be sidelined tonight with an ankle injury and an illness. That leaves the Rangers without four of their major defensemen. Tim Erixon and Stu Bickel have been recalled from Hartford, and hopefully can do a somewhat competent job of containing the explosive offense of the Devils.



The Devils are somewhat back in the mix of the standings of the Eastern Conference, winning their last five out of six games. Their start to this season is far more improved than the one they had last year, which is one of the worst starts to a teams season I can remember in a long time. But, all of that is aside, and they are looking to play some hockey. Patrik Elias, and Henrik Tallinder will be out of this game for Devils, which means the Devils will be without their top goal-scorer. If the Rangers can form together some strong defense against Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, all the Rangers need to do is beat Brodeur and they will come away with a win.

The Diagnosis


Both of these teams are fairly depleted with injuries. But I think tonight is going to be an offensive show for both teams. The Devils defense is less than spectacular, and the Rangers have too many holes to fill. Therefore, it's going to be a regular old shooting gallery tonight. Gear up, honkys.

The Prediction


Rangers win 5-3

Ilya Kovalchuk will get the first goal for the Devils early in the 1st.
Brad Richards will get the first goal for the Rangers also in the 1st.
Marian Gaborik will get another for the Rangers late in the 1st.
Adam Henrique will get the second for the Devils to pull them even early in the 2nd.
Ryan Callahan will give the Rangers the lead half way through the 2nd.
Brandon Prust will score the fourth goal for the Devils late in the 2nd.
Zach Parise will get the final goal for the Devils in the 3rd.
And finally, Brad Richards will get the empty netter to seal a victory for the Rangers.

Enjoy the game!