The only notable news from the Rangers camp in the last few hours before the trade deadline was a 4-1 loss to Washington on Tuesday. That’s the second straight loss for New York, which also lost to Columbus 5-2 on Sunday. Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t been right lately, as he gave up all of their opponents’ nine goals in that span.
Lundqvist will try to find his moxie back tonight against the Bruins, whom he and the Rangers beat back in Oct. 26, 5-2. Lundqvist wasn’t on goal though when Boston won the rematch on Nov. 5, 5-2. The Bruins are seemingly enjoying their time under Bruce Cassidy, as the team as the team is 7-1 in his first eight games since replacing Claude Julien as head coach. New York is 8-2 in its last 10 road games. Boston is 8-2 in its last 10 home games against the Rangers.
Writer’s Prediction: New York wins, 4-2.
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals (7:00 PM ET)
The Devils will look to end a four-game losing rut versus Washington later tonight when they pay Verizon Center a visit. It’s going to be easier said than done with the league-leading Capitals bolstering their already imposing roster with the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk at the trade deadline.
The Devils, though, have one win against the Caps this season, which was a 2-1 shootout victory at Washington on Dec. 29. Washington took the next meeting, 6-2, on Dec. 31 and is coming off a 4-1 win on Tuesday over the Rangers. For all their miseries this season, New Jersey has played well away from home of late, as the Devils are 8-2 in their last 10 on the road. Washington, on the other hand, is undefeated in its last 13 at Verizon Center.
Writer’s Prediction: Washington demolishes the Devils, 5-2.
Nashville Predators vs. Montreal Canadiens (7:30 PM ET)
Nashville is on a roll and it’ll bring a four-game win streak to Montreal, where the Predators are 3-1 in their last four trips there. The Preds’ offense has been off the charts lately, scoring at least four goals in each of their past four contests, including a 5-4 overtime win in Buffalo on Tuesday.
Stopping them appears to be a tall task right now for the Habs, but they have a Carey Price in front of the net to rely on. Price hasn’t allowed more than two goals in any of his last five starts. He stopped 22 of 23 shots in Montreal’s 2-1 overtime victory in Nashville back in Jan. 3. Montreal, which is is on a three-game win streak, is coming off a 1-0 OT win at home versus Columbus. Price stopped all of the Blue Jackets’ 26 shots.
