Where We Are: Rock bottom, hopefully.
Where They Are: First place. They have finally played the same number of games as the Blueshirts and have six more points - that is even including two losses in their last three games. Recent wins include 4-3 victories over Boston and Pittsburgh and a 6-2 trouncing of Montreal.
Who To Watch For: The usual suspects Zach Parise, Hepatitis Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner are always dangerous against the Rangers. Langenbrunner, in fact, is one of the few players on either team who seems to really play with a chip on his shoulder - he really doesn't like the Rangers and I can respect that. Travis Zajac has abused the Rangers of late and is really coming into his own as a top offensive threat.
What To Watch For: Keep an eye on Goalie Post to see which goaltender we face. Scott Clemmensen looked pretty poor in his last two starts, which came after a seven game win streak. He remains their main starter but Kevin Weekes got the call on Friday and turned in a 31 save jewel of a performance against the very same Atlanta squad that beat us on Graves night. If you can believe it, the Devils scored five goals against them. That is four more than we did! And they didn't have living legends in the building to remind/motivate them how real hockey players are supposed to play. Oy, we are in trouble.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Not these lines, as its virtually guaranteed that you won't see much of the fourth line - the one unit that has consistently provided energy and chances (even if they don't score on them). If the Rangers have any pride whatsoever (and I don't think most of them do), then we'll hopefully see the entire team play FBC Ole's hard-nosed, hard skating, heavy hitting game (I doubt it). At least we can hope for Brendan Shanahan to tussle with Colton Orr the way he took on Eric Boulton. Also Check Out: The solid Fire & Ice, my former fellow NY Times Hockey Night in Blogdom foe In Lou We Trust moved to SBN and Rich Chere's MSM blog.
Peepin' Foes: New Jersey Devils - A Rivalry Renewed
In the world of sports, rivalries add an extra layer of excitement and intensity to every matchup. They spark passion, fuel competition, and create moments that fans cherish for a lifetime. In the National Hockey League (NHL), one of the most storied rivalries in the Eastern Conference is the one between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history and significance of this rivalry, explore some memorable moments, and answer frequently asked questions about the Rangers-Devils rivalry.
A Tale of Two Teams
The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils are both members of the Metropolitan Division in the NHL's Eastern Conference. Their proximity, shared fan base, and frequent matchups have fueled the rivalry for decades. Let's dive into the key aspects of this intense hockey feud:
**1. Geographical Proximity: The Rangers and Devils are both situated in the New York metropolitan area, making them natural rivals. The proximity of the two teams ensures that their fan bases often overlap, leading to spirited encounters both on and off the ice.
**2. Historical Tension: The rivalry between the Rangers and Devils began in earnest during the 1990s when both teams were at the height of their competitiveness. The 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, in which the Rangers defeated the Devils in a dramatic seven-game series, is a defining moment in their rivalry.
**3. Shared Arenas: For a time, the Devils called the Meadowlands Arena (later the Continental Airlines Arena) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home. The arena was located less than 10 miles from Madison Square Garden, where the Rangers play their home games. This close proximity only added fuel to the fire.
**4. Memorable Playoff Duels: The Rangers and Devils have clashed in multiple playoff series over the years, with each meeting adding to the lore of their rivalry. These series have featured incredible performances, dramatic comebacks, and heartbreaking defeats for both sides.
**5. Fan Passion: The fans of both teams are known for their passion and dedication. When the Rangers and Devils face off, the atmosphere in the arenas is electric, and the games take on an extra level of intensity.
Memorable Moments
The Rangers and Devils have given hockey fans numerous unforgettable moments throughout their rivalry:
**1. 1994 Eastern Conference Finals: As mentioned earlier, the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals between the Rangers and Devils is a defining moment in their rivalry. The Rangers won a thrilling seven-game series en route to their first Stanley Cup championship in 54 years.
**2. Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!: In the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, Rangers forward Stephane Matteau became an instant legend by scoring the series-clinching double-overtime goal in Game 7 against the Devils. His name is forever etched in Rangers history.
**3. 2008 Playoffs: The Rangers and Devils met again in the playoffs, this time in the first round. The series went to a memorable Game 5, which lasted until the fourth overtime period. It remains one of the longest games in NHL history, with the Devils emerging victorious.
**4. Brodeur vs. Lundqvist: The rivalry also featured a goaltending battle for the ages between the Devils' Martin Brodeur and the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist. These two future Hall of Famers faced each other in numerous high-stakes matchups, adding another layer of intrigue to the rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are the Rangers and Devils still as intense rivals as they were in the past?
While the intensity of the rivalry may have evolved over the years, games between the Rangers and Devils continue to be highly anticipated matchups. The history and shared geography ensure that the rivalry remains alive and well.
2. Do Rangers and Devils fans get along outside of games?
In most cases, fans from both sides coexist peacefully outside of games. However, during matchups, the rivalry can lead to passionate exchanges and good-natured banter.
3. Are there any recent memorable moments in the Rangers-Devils rivalry?
The rivalry has produced memorable moments in recent years, including thrilling regular-season games and playoff series. While the teams' fortunes have varied, the intensity of their matchups endures.
4. How do players view the Rangers-Devils rivalry?
Players recognize the significance of the rivalry and often embrace the opportunity to compete in intense games. Many players have described facing their rivals as a special experience in their careers.
5. What's the overall record in the Rangers-Devils rivalry?
The overall record in the rivalry favors the Rangers, but the competition has been closely contested, with both teams enjoying periods of success.
The Rangers-Devils rivalry is a testament to the passion and intensity that make sports rivalries so special. For fans of both teams, it's a chance to experience the thrill of competition and celebrate the history and tradition of hockey in the New York metropolitan area. As long as these two teams continue to face off, the rivalry will endure, creating moments that resonate with hockey fans for generations to come.
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