Excited does not even come close to how I feel about this game.
Rangers against the New Jersey Devils.
The Rangers are coming off a very impressive 7-2 win against the Islanders, while the Devils are coming into this one on a low note after being dropped by the Maple Leafs 4-1 on Sunday. The Rangers have been able to hold it together throughout the hardships this season. With missing Marian Gaborik for a good portion of the start of the season, Vinny Prospal for the entire season so far, and most recently Ryan Callahan, who sits with a broken hand. The other players who have stepped up this season like Derek Stepan, Brian Boyle, and Brandon Dubinsky have really helped push this team when it comes to scoring. It seems like no matter what line is on the ice, a goal is a possibility. Along with that, the Rangers have put up a very impressive road game record of 12-6-0. The Rangers have won the past two meetings against the Devils this season, and can probably say they are looking forward to another crack at them.
The Devils woes just keep getting worse. Their goals for/goals against ratio is -51, the worst in the league. They have let in 112 goals, which isn't the highest in the league behind Tampa Bay and the Islanders, but they are in last when it comes to scoring goals, only potting 61 in the net so far. Its hard to imagine how the Devils could have slipped this far when they have so much evident talent on their team. With players like Kovalchuk, Elias, Zajac, and Parise, its hard to imagine this team ever being in last in the league. The only explanation I can give for the complete collapse of the Devils has to be injuries, and a lack of brotherhood on in the lineup. With all the injuries, the minor leaguers and rookies have been asked to fill a roll in the Devils game that is very unique. They aren't as experienced in their style, and are having a hard time adjusting. Along with that, the newcomers in Kovalchuk, Volchenkov, and Tallinder are still playing the game they played back when they were on their respective teams. If theres no bonding on the lineup, theres no goals in the net. Make no mistake, the Devils can still be a sleeper-cell team. They showed up for one game against the Capitals, and whooped them 5-0 earlier this season, so who is to say it cant possibly happen again?
My Diagnosis
While I do give credit to the Devils that they can possibly be a team that can potentially dangerous, I don't feel like it will happen tonight. The Rangers have built up a defensive strategy of grit, and have perfected it, which is something the Devils will not be use to. The Devils have only scored once against the Rangers so far this season, which proves the new defensive system is working for the Rangers. Plus, goals are coming a little easier to the Rangers this season, while its vice-versa with the Devils. In the end, despite the talent on the Devils lineup, I feel the Rangers will come out on top of this one.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-1
Brian Boyle will get the first Ranger goal in the 1st period.
Marian Gaborik will put the second one in for the Rangers also in the 1st.
Derek Stepan will give the Rangers a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period.
Patrick Elias will score the lone goal for the Devils late 2nd period.
And finally, Ruslan Fedotenko will pick up the last Rangers goal in the 3rd period.
If anyone is also going to be at the game, let me know so we can meet up, regardless of fan-ship. Enjoy the game, everyone!
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