Where We Are: Losers of three straight, stuck in the battle for eighth place. Luckily Atlanta and Tampa - the two teams behind us - both lost tonight but Boston, the current holders of eighth, grabbed a point from the Toronto Maple Leafs (losing 4-3 in OT).
Where They Are: Back home after a three game swing through San Jose, Calgary and Edmonton. After beating the tough Sharks, they sucked the suck against the two Canadian teams. Mmmmaaarrrtttyyyy couldn't stop a beach ball in the Saddledome and New Jersey made the Oilers look like a young, exciting, skillful team instead of the bottom dwelling, lottery-bound losers that they are. I called the Ranger effort lackluster at times in recent games - which it was - but the Devils must have stopped by San Francisco before leaving California and left their hearts there. Yeah, its a bad pun, so what? You know what I mean.Who To Watch For: It is easy to say Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk but let's face it, it will probably be Rob Niedermayer or that minor leaguer David Clarkson. Jamie Langenbrunner and Hepatitis Elias step up their game when they go up against the Rangers and have always had the Blueshirts' number. Paul Martin is thankfully still out with injury.
What To Watch For: The quality of the ice, Rich Chere pointed out that it was awful today. What kind of effort the Devils have coming out of the gate - are they tired from their road swing or energized by anger at their terrible results? The officials enforcing the Avery Rules. Hank's focus; he has dominated Mmmmaaarrrtttyyyy in the past (16-3-5) but clearly has looked like a beaten dog after his stellar efforts of late have been for naught. His defenseman playing the body - Torts talks about having to look at tape after each game and he has to have seen how the blueline have been a bunch of stick waving wankers so maybe he has finally gotten the message through? Ok, I did say maybe.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: MSG West jeering Mmmmaaarrrtttyyyy. Avery vs. Mmmmaaarrrtttyyyy. Avery avoiding Clarkson. Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal finally showing up for work now that the Olympics are long over. Kovalchuk being the non-factor he has been in so many meetings with the Rangers - I particularly enjoy when he loses his temper and does something dumb. Jody Shelley vs. Andrew Peters. Brandon Prust not fighting the bigger, stronger Mark Fraser and instead finally converting one of the scoring chances that his hard work has earned him of late.
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 Revisited"
The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils share one of the most heated rivalries in the NHL. This rivalry, often referred to as the "Hudson River Rivalry," has captivated hockey fans for decades. In this article, we'll delve into the history of this intense rivalry, explore some of the memorable moments, and take a closer look at the New Jersey Devils as one of the Rangers' formidable foes.
Chapter 1: The Birth of a Rivalry
The roots of the Rangers-Devils rivalry can be traced back to the late 1970s when the Devils, originally the Kansas City Scouts and then the Colorado Rockies, relocated to New Jersey. The proximity of the two teams, both playing their home games in the metropolitan New York area, set the stage for intense competition.
Chapter 2: The Battle for the Hudson
The rivalry truly took off in the 1990s when both teams were at the peak of their success. The Rangers, led by legendary captain Mark Messier, won the Stanley Cup in 1994, ending a 54-year championship drought. Meanwhile, the Devils, under the guidance of coach Jacques Lemaire, became known for their suffocating defensive style and won the Stanley Cup in 1995.
Chapter 3: The Epic Playoff Clashes
The rivalry reached its zenith in the postseason, particularly during the Eastern Conference Finals. The 1994 Eastern Conference Finals between the Rangers and the Devils is etched in hockey history. It featured iconic moments like Stephane Matteau's double-overtime series-winning goal, which Rangers fans still celebrate to this day.
Chapter 4: The Rivalry's Legends
The rivalry has produced legendary figures on both sides. For the Rangers, players like Messier, Brian Leetch, and Henrik Lundqvist became synonymous with the franchise's success. On the Devils' side, Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, and Scott Niedermayer left an indelible mark on the team's history.
Chapter 5: Modern-Day Rivalry
The rivalry has evolved over the years, with both teams experiencing periods of success and rebuilding. The Rangers and Devils continue to face off in intense games, with each matchup carrying the weight of history and bragging rights.
Chapter 6: The Present and Future
As of the 2021-2022 season, both the Rangers and the Devils are looking to build competitive teams for the future. The Rangers have focused on their youth movement, while the Devils have made strategic draft picks to bolster their roster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are some of the most memorable moments in the Rangers-Devils rivalry?
A1: Some of the most memorable moments include Matteau's double-overtime goal in 1994, the intense playoff battles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and the performances of legendary goaltenders Lundqvist and Brodeur.
Q2: How do Rangers and Devils fans engage in the rivalry?
A2: Rangers and Devils fans engage in friendly banter, attend games in opposing team jerseys, and create a lively atmosphere during matchups. The rivalry is a source of pride for both fan bases.
Q3: What can we expect from the Rangers-Devils rivalry in the future?
A3: The rivalry will continue to be a central storyline whenever these teams meet. With both teams focused on building competitive rosters, the battles for Hudson River supremacy are sure to be fierce and entertaining.
The Rangers-Devils rivalry is a testament to the passion and intensity that hockey can inspire. As these two teams continue to compete on the ice, they carry with them the legacy of past battles and the hopes of future success. The Hudson River Rivalry is a storied chapter in the annals of the NHL, and it's a rivalry that will undoubtedly continue to captivate fans for years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment