Where We Are: Coming off of the seventh loss in eight games, one where the power play finally scored (three times!) and players other than Marian Gaborik found the back of the net but the team still blew a two goal lead to steal defeat from the jaws of victory. Despite the slide, the team is still in the thick of the playoff hunt in the Least.
Where They Are: Second place in the Least. They played Toronto three of the last four games and won two of them, including a wild one Friday night where they did a reverse-Rangers by not folding and blowing a lead at the end of a period and instead scoring three goals in three minutes to come from behind and win.
Who To Watch For: That game marked the Devil debut of Ilya Kovalchuk and he contributed two assists for his new side. He may do even better on Saturday should the rumours prove true and Patrik Elias return from that big hit last month. David Clarkson and Paul Martin will still be on the IR, but Jersey still has Zach Parise, still has Travis Zajac and still has Jamie Langenbrunner. But, the Rangers being the Rangers, Dainius Zubrus or Rob Niedermayer could just as easily strike or Vladimir Zharkov could score his first NHL goal. What To Watch For: More goals than the last time this two teams met (the insanely exciting 1-0 shootout loss). Kovy to get more comfortable with the Devils and get off more shots in space. Langenbrunner making himself comfortable around Hank thanks to the Charmin Blueshirt blueline. Dean McAmmond building off of his goal and assist against Toronto. I always liked his work ethic but easily hate him now that he went from Ottawa to the Isles and then the Devils.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Marian Gaborik to keep his four-game point streak going. Ryan Callahan being better than Langenbrunner at his own game. Sean Avery re-introducing himself to Mmmmaaarrrrtttyyy. MDZ to regain a bit of a scoring touch. Michal Rozsival to get less ice time. Olli Jokinen staying out of the penalty box. Brandon Prust vs. either Andrew Peters or Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (what a hockey name).
Also Check Out: The solid Fire & Ice, SBN's In Lou We Trust and Rich Chere's MSM blog.
Peepin' Foes: New Jersey Devils - A Rivalry Renewed
The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils have a rivalry that runs deep. Geographical proximity, playoff battles, and a shared quest for supremacy in the Tri-State Area have all contributed to the intensity of this matchup. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we'll take a closer look at the New Jersey Devils, their history, recent performance, and what fans can expect when these two bitter rivals clash on the ice.
A Rivalry Born
The rivalry between the Rangers and the Devils can be traced back to the Devils' relocation to New Jersey from Colorado in 1982. Prior to the move, the franchise was known as the Colorado Rockies, and their relocation to New Jersey marked the beginning of a new era for the team. With both the Rangers and Devils now calling the New York metropolitan area home, competition for the hearts and minds of local hockey fans was inevitable.
The Battle of the Hudson River
One of the defining moments in the Rangers-Devils rivalry occurred during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. The Rangers, led by captain Mark Messier, faced off against the Devils, led by goaltender Martin Brodeur. The series, which featured iconic moments like Messier's Game 6 guarantee and Stephane Matteau's double-overtime series-clinching goal in Game 7, is etched into NHL history.
The Rangers would go on to win the Stanley Cup that year, but the rivalry only intensified. The two teams met again in the playoffs in subsequent years, adding fuel to the fire of this fierce rivalry.
The Devils' Legacy
The Devils have a storied history of their own. Led by future Hall of Famers like Brodeur, Scott Stevens, and Scott Niedermayer, they achieved great success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning three Stanley Cups in a span of nine years. Their defensive-minded style of play, known as the "Neutral Zone Trap," frustrated opponents and propelled them to victory.
Recent Struggles
In recent years, the Devils have faced challenges on the ice. While they continue to develop promising young talent like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, they have struggled to find consistent success in the competitive Metropolitan Division. Frequent changes in coaching staff and management have also contributed to the team's instability.
The Rangers have fared somewhat better in terms of on-ice performance, but they have also faced their share of ups and downs. However, both teams share a common goal: to return to the glory days of winning Stanley Cups and to provide their passionate fan bases with exciting and competitive hockey.
The Rivalry Renewed
When the Rangers and Devils face off, it's more than just a game; it's a battle for local bragging rights. The energy in the arena is palpable as fans from both sides come together to witness this age-old rivalry. The games are often marked by physical play, dramatic goals, and highlight-reel saves.
While the rivalry has lost some of its luster in recent years due to both teams' struggles, it's important to remember the rich history and the potential for epic clashes in the future. Rivalries in sports are cyclical, and both the Rangers and Devils are working diligently to rebuild their rosters and return to championship contention.
Looking Ahead
As the Rangers and Devils continue their respective journeys, fans can expect thrilling matchups and intense battles in the years to come. The rivalry remains a driving force for both organizations, motivating players to give their all on the ice.
For fans of the Blueshirts, it's a chance to relive the glory days of the 1994 Stanley Cup run and dream of future championships. For Devils fans, it's an opportunity to witness the emergence of young stars who could lead the team back to prominence.
In the end, whether you bleed blue or red, the Rangers-Devils rivalry is a reminder of the passion and excitement that make hockey one of the greatest sports in the world. When these two teams clash, the memories created and the battles fought only add to the rich tapestry of the rivalry, ensuring that it will endure for generations to come.
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