It’s going to be a goalie duel for the Hudson River Rivalry on Tuesday night. The New York Rangers take to the road when they enter Prudential Center against the reeling New Jersey Devils. The Rangers are seemingly in playoff mode, going 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Meanwhile, the Devils are on a three-game slide.
Who takes this big rivalry game in the Metropolitan Division? Read on for a complete preview of the action to come. For more fast-paced hockey action, check out our complete preview for the Flyers vs. Hurricanes.
Man. Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh must be itching to get back into the rink. He sat out four straight contests due to a concussion before returning to action against Toronto on Thursday. The Rangers won 4-2, but not without casualties. McDonagh suffered a bruised jaw and neck spasms after being elbowed in the head by the Leaf’s Leo Komarov.
The Rangers don’t seem to miss their captain all too much. They’re 4-0-1 in the five games McDonagh has missed because of injuries. New York may be good despite missing a defenseman when they take on the reeling New Jersey. The Devils have been outscored 11-6 in their last three games and where shut out in their last game at home.
Goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been excellent against the Devils. He’s 3-1-1 with a 1.59 GAA in the last five matchups. He’s also on a hot streak going 4-1 with a 1.20 GAA in his last five starts, including his second shutout of the season.
New York could also dominate this game with a trio of forwards. J.T. Miller has been hot with four assists in his last three games. Derick Brassard has four goals in his last four games. Derek Stepan has six points (four goals and two assists) in his last five outings. The three have been a thorn in New Jersey’s side. They’ve combined for four goals and two assists in three games against the Devils this season.
Betting on the New Jersey Devils (29-24-7)
The New Jersey Devils have lost three straight games. But they could get themselves up for this outing. The Devils have won two of their first three games against the Rangers this season. Cory Schneider has posted a 1.65 GAA while starting all three games. He’s not looking like the solid goaltender he was after allowing 10 goals in his last three games.
The Devils need plenty of help from their offense if they are to hide Schneider’s lapses. Lee Stempniak could deliver the spark New Jersey needs. He has three goals and one assist in his last four games against the Rangers. But he’s currently engulfed in a season-worst five game point-less streak.
Adam Henrique could offer some help. He’s been solid against the Rangers this season with a goal and three assists in the previous three matchups. He can help spread the puck to some of the Devils’ top scorers. Kyle Palmieri should be hot after scoring twice in his last three. He leads the Devils with 22 goals this season.
The Devils have won five of their last eight at home.
Writer’s Prediction
The Rangers even the series with a tight 3-2 victory.
