All About The Jersey - Game Stream #61: New Jersey Devils vs. New York RangersA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2016-02-23T23:45:49-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/108601192016-02-23T23:45:49-05:002016-02-23T23:45:49-05:00Devils Emerge Victorious Over Our Hated Rivals
<figure>
<img alt="Henrik Lundqvist was put into place by Sergey Kalinin; lying on his back, wondering where it all went wrong." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x9tuj9MfJqSlTrhZupOVLG02Ywc=/0x0:3986x2657/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48922237/usa-today-9133098.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Henrik Lundqvist was put into place by Sergey Kalinin; lying on his back, wondering where it all went wrong. | Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The New Jersey Devils turned a 1-2 deficit in the first period into a 5-2 victory by the end of regulation to take the season series over the New York Rangers. This game recap summarizes how the game went with additional observations.</p> <p>After three lame losses amid a season where it has become more and more clear that this is not a playoff worthy squad, the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> and their fans got what they needed. They didn't just get a win. They got a win over the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a>. They didn't just beat their rivals. They made a comeback to ultimately drop five goals on them in a performance where the Devils were clearly the better team for large stretches at a time. They didn't win a decisive game. No, this game was far closer than the 5-2 final score implies and it could have easily been 3-3 during the game, which would have led to something totally different. It wasn't until <span>Sergey Kalinin</span> posterized Henrik Lunqvist on a third period breakaway to make it 4-2 was their any relief over the Devils' fate tonight. They didn't just end a losing streak. They took the season series against their hated rivals and now every Devils fan can respond to the Rangers' inevitable playoff exit with the phrase, "Well, of course they got beat. They couldn't beat the Devils in the season series." No matter whether you're on the playoff hype train, the Get-as-high-of-a-pick-as you can bandwagon, or the just-give-me-something-competitive boat, every Devils fan can, should, and probably does enjoy tonight's win.</p>
<p>On a personal note, I'm getting back to normalcy after having the flu for over the first half of this month. I have not been to a live New Jersey Devils game until tonight. I picked one heck of a game to attend. There were lows and some serious areas for improvement. There were highs and moments where I just felt the greatness that occurred on the ice. Needless to say, I'm very glad I went. The result helped, of course. If I were to show someone why I care so much about hockey, then this would be a good game to show them. It demonstrated plenty of good, some bad, and some ugly spots - all of it is part of the game. The only mark against is that the good was atypical of how the Devils have played this season.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong. That's a compliment. First, some background. The Devils got the game's first goal when <span>Tyler Kennedy</span> re-directed a shot by the returning Damon Severson. However, the Rangers hit back with two quick goals. <span>Kevin Hayes</span> put home a rebound off an odd man rush shortly after <span>Joseph Blandisi</span> lost him in coverage. Less than a minute later, the Devils couldn't get a zone exit and <span>Keith Yandle</span> was able to fire a shot from distance. It hit off Dominic Moore's skate and past <span>Cory Schneider</span> on his left. It was 1-2 and the many Rangers faithful at the Rock magically cured their muteness and found their voice. The Devils would play better to end the period and actually out-shot the Rangers, 11-8. However, the Rangers were giving them fits on the counter-attack and with cross-ice passes when they do get set-up. It wasn't necessarily a pretty period. What happened in the following period was astounding.</p>
<p>The Devils just out-played the Rangers in the second. They made sure there was back support to cut down on the odd man rushes and counter-attacks against New Jersey. The defensemen did a nice job bodying up Rangers wanting to take them on one-on-one, especially <span>Adam Larsson</span>. Forwards did a better job backchecking and they started looking for spaces to go forward - and they hit them. The Devils were able to get choice scoring chances on Lundqvist from the beginning of the period and throughout the second. It eventually paid off. During a power play, Blandisi made a brilliant pass that found <span>Kyle Palmieri</span> wide open in front of the net for a killer one-timer. That tied the game up. The Devils kept attacking and it paid off again. Blandisi had a lane across the slot to an open <span>Lee Stempniak</span>. The two Rangers nearby weren't so close to him. Pass, shot, and it's 3-2. The Rangers fans suddenly lost their voices and the right people were pleased at the Rock. Cory Schneider was forced to make an astounding post-to-post save with his stick to deny a quick equalizer - and he did. It should've been 3-3 but it was not to be. As it turned out, the Devils out-shot the Rangers 17 to 5 and out-attempted them 25 to 9 in the period. As good as some of those five shots were, that's what we call dominance. The Devils just kept coming at the Rangers in waves and they had little answer to stop it - even when they attacked, the Devils got out of it and started going forward again.</p>
<p>It got even better. At the very end of the period, <span>J.T. Miller</span> decided to fight <span>Sergey Kalinin</span>. I guess if you're one of the team's hotter scorers in the month and you're in a one-goal game, you just got to do something that takes you out of the game for five minutes. However, it was worse than that for Miller. Miller apparently taped his hand up before the game. As Kalinin suffered a small cut on his nose from the melee, this meant by rule that Miller had to be given a match penalty for five minutes. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TGfireandice/status/702309139930742785">As Tom Gulitti pointed out on Twitter</a>, this is per Rule 41.16 in the NHL Rulebook. Intending to injure or cutting someone with a taped fist requires a match penalty. So not only was Miller not smart for fighting at all, he was extra not smart because he wrapped up his hand prior. After twenty minutes of mostly Devils hockey, the Devils would start the third period with a major penalty lasting 4:59. Yeah, they'll take that.</p>
<p>Except they didn't. The Devils pretty much squandered the five minutes in the same way they've squandered power plays in the past. They got one shot on goal, one dangerous one-timer by <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> after it ended, and that was it amid failed zone entries, dumped-in pucks, and poor passes within their 1-3-1. <span>Derick Brassard</span> decided to trip <span>Stephen Gionta</span> in New Jersey's end of the rink a little after that, so the Devils got two more minutes at 5-on-4. That power play was a little better and it featured a crossbar being hit. Alas, no goal. So the Devils got seven minutes with an extra man nearly in a row to start the third that could have put the game to bed and they did not do so. Needless to say, I and several other fans were getting more and more tense. The Rangers already got one favorable bounce off a skate. Who's to say they wouldn't get another one or catch the Devils in a breakdown for an unstoppable shot?</p>
<p>The Devils said no. Schneider was quite good as he stopped all six Rangers shots. He didn't have to make any stupefying saves like that one late in the second period. That was nice. The Devils' skaters just clamped down on the Rangers. They increasingly made the game more about the neutral zone than the Devils trying to chip the puck out of their end. They never completely got away from their forecheck. And when they got a chance to hit back on the break, they took it. The Devils were holding on to the one goal lead for over nine minutes. Then they got relief from the man who got cut by Miller: Kalinin.</p>
<p>The play was a glorious play. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/video/kalinins-3rd-period-goal/t-278661590/c-41757603">Here's a link to the video from NHL.com</a>, since embedding video seems to be not an option as far as I can tell. <span>Andy Greene</span> poked the puck out of the zone along the wall and into a place where no Ranger was. Kalinin skated as hard as he could to get to it and he did for a breakaway. He came in from the right side instead of his usual left. As he got to the crease, he lifted the puck and roofed it over the False King of New York. Lundqvist on his back, the puck in the net, the ref pointing at the net, and Kalinin standing tall sent the right people at the Rock into ecstasy as the wrong people at the Rock just felt the agony. Or started to leave. (Except for one dude still bragging about how the Rangers won the President's Trophy last season. Big whoop.) It was a fantastic goal. It meant the Devils fans can breathe and the team didn't need to be absolutely perfect for another two minutes or so.</p>
<p>The game was truly iced within the final minute. Lundqvist was pulled and the Rangers decided to generate not a whole lot with the extra man. They just had three attempts blocked and two pucks go into the netting. After taking the puck away from the Rangers' knock-off version of <span>Travis Zajac</span>, <span>Derek Stepan</span>, Adam Larsson decided to go for the empty net. It wasn't the smartest decision as a miss would mean an icing call and a chance for six Rangers skaters to refresh and regroup. It turned out to be the right decision as the puck just swished into the net. As far as empty net goals, it was aesthetically pleasing. One for the thumb, one to put the final nail in the coffin, and one to ensure the Devils won the season series over Our Hated Rivals.</p>
<p>That's quite a lot to happen in one game. Combined with the shrill noises of Rangers fans cheering their team (as is their right) and the lovelier voices of Devils fans cheering their team on, the atmosphere just added to a game that nearly had it all. It had sweet goals. It had tense moments. It had struggles like going down 1-2, that squandered major, counter attacks in the first period, cross-ice passes to try for back door plays in the game was something the Rangers kept trying and succeeding at. It had excellence, such as most of that second period and shutting the Rangers down in the third. It had some controversy. It had an educational moments out of that controversy. Such as: don't tape your hands if you're thinking about throwing down. Also, if you have <span>Tanner Glass</span> wasting a roster spot, don't fight at all if your hands are better suited for making plays and taking shots. It even had a facepalm moment as Blandisi got tagged for embellishment again, which could mean a hefty fine for the player still on an ELC deal. He knows he needs to be better about it, and I think he will. It had the unexpected, like the Devils taking well over thirty shots (36!!!!) while holding the opposition to less than twenty (19) and the Devils legitimately out-possessing the Rangers. All the same, the game had quite a bit of everything that hockey fan would want in a game. Even better, it turned out fantastic for the Devils and miserable for Out Hated Rivals.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/GS020893.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/ES020893.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/PL020893.HTM">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/SS020893.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20152016&game=20893">Natural Stat Trick Advanced Stats</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://hockeystats.ca/game/2015020893">HockeyStats.ca Advanced Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2016/2/23/11103408/rangers-vs-devils-recap-rangers-fall-apart-against-devils-after">Bryan Winters has this recap at Blueshirt Banter.</a> If you're going to go visit, then don't be a jerk of a sore winner. Play nice, please. You wouldn't want it here, so don't bring it there.</p>
<p><b>Praise for...A Lot of Devils: </b>Schneider was quite good, the two goals against certainly weren't his fault. The defense in general played a much better game than they played last Saturday. I liked <span>Damon Severson's</span> performance, he had a good return. <span>Jon Merrill</span> wasn't an issue. Larsson and Greene made plenty of tough plays. Up front, the <span>Jacob Josefson</span> unit had some misfires, but overall they had a very strong game. Blandisi had some issues with the puck early on, lost his man, and took another diving call. But he made two very good passes and he showed his flair positively with the puck late. He's a rookie and this is what you get some nights. Overall, I'd say he's positive, though. Kalinin had quite a good game in addition to scoring an important and very pretty goal. <span>Adam Henrique</span> and Lee Stempniak each had more active games. <span>Reid Boucher</span> looked a bit faster and more involved; I wish he didn't hit that post in the second period as he had Lundqvist beaten straight-up. But not the frame, unfortunately. He'll get there. The only line that wasn't so positive in possession was the Travis Zajac line, but they definitely contributed plenty of good things tonight. They certainly weren't bad. I'd go as far as to say I don't think any Devil had a really bad game. I'm very pleased to write that.</p>
<p><b>A Potential Turn of Events: </b>Incidentally, if Kalinin cut Miller in that fight, then he would've got a similar penalty that Miller got. Wouldn't that have been a shocking turn of events if the Rangers got five minutes with an extra man while only down a goal to start the third. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ScoutingTheRefs/status/702317439296655362">Thanks to Scouting the Refs for pointing it out on Twitter.</a> Fortunately, it didn't go down like that. Still dumb that Miller fought at all.</p>
<p>As an aside, the Rangers got no power play time tonight. Bummer.</p>
<p><b>One Last Thought: </b>3-1-0 against the Rangers this season. I'll take that even if the season falls apart afterwards. The Rangers may finish ahead of the Devils and go to the playoffs and whatever. They'll always inherently suck and we've got this record to hold over them in case it's needed. Oh, how I love the bragging rights that come with rivalry games when they go the right way.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils beat Out Hated Rivals 5-2 to take the season series. What did you make of the game? Was that second period the best period the Devils have played all season? How do you think they can repeat their performance beyond the first period? Who do you think was the best Devil tonight? Was anyone really the worst? How did you react when Kalinin scored? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's win in the comments.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who followed along in the gamethread and on Twitter with the site account, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/aatjerseyblog">@AATJerseyBlog</a>. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/2/23/11103668/new-jersey-devils-emerge-victorious-over-hated-new-york-rangers-5-2John Fischer2016-02-23T18:00:02-05:002016-02-23T18:00:02-05:00Gamethread #61: Devils vs. Rangers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DswTQ0xM1hVpa_3Ckld2VyMhDxM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827643/large_inlouwetrust.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The New Jersey Devils will take on Our Hated Rivals for the final time this season. This gamethread is a place where Devils fans can discuss tonight's game as it happens until the recap is up.</p> <p><strong>The Time: </strong>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast: </strong>TV - MSG+ ; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup: </strong>The New Jersey Devils (29-24-7) vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a> (34-19-6; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Blueshirt Banter</a>)</p>
<p><strong>A Song for Tonight: </strong>Do I need a reason to explain Rainbow's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83qBRmM00R4">"Kill the King?</a>" No. I do not. Enjoy Richie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio.</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules: </strong>The rules remain the rules. Here's a quick reminder. Please keep your comments clean, legal, and all about the game itself. Other scores are OK, but let's make sure the comments here are primarily about the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Devils</a> and this game. Also, let's respect each other, there's no need for drama or unwelcome nature of any sort. This is a gamethread, let's keep the .GIFs away (they slow things down), and <em>let's focus on the game.</em> Thank you for reading and commenting. Go Devils!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/2/23/11096088/gamethread-61-new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-rangersJohn Fischer2016-02-23T07:00:03-05:002016-02-23T07:00:03-05:00Game Preview #61: Devils vs. Rangers
<figure>
<img alt="More of this, please." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PHg55KICeEr5QQB7C7MEt-e25OI=/0x0:4229x2819/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48912537/usa-today-9092768.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>More of this, please. | Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The New Jersey Devils will take on Our Hated Rivals for the final time this season. This game preview highlights the stakes of this game, who's not playing for both teams, who to watch for, and more.</p> <p>For the last time this season, Our Hated Rivals are involved. Good riddance.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (29-24-7) vs. the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a> (34-19-6; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Blueshirt Banter</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>The Devils went into Washington D.C. and you know what? The end of this game was sad and unhappy. I'm not going to rehash the entire game. The Devils went up 3-2 with nine minutes left in regulation and ended up losing in regulation 3-4. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/2/20/11080924/new-jersey-devils-snatch-defeat-jaws-of-points-3-4-loss-washington-capitals">Here's my recap if you want the full details.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Rangers Game: </b>The Rangers hosted Detroit on Sunday. Do you like goaltending battles? Because this one featured <span>Jimmy Howard</span> and <span>Henrik Lundqvist</span> doing it all. Stopping all the shots. Making all the saves. Leaving their respective opposing team skaters wondering, "How? Why? Sigh." There were no goals in regulation. However, there would be one in overtime. And it would be for the home team Rangers. After Lundqvist was left on his bottom after a dangerous sequence by Detroit, <span>Kevin Hayes</span> led a 2-on-1 counter-attack with <span>Kevin Klein</span>. Hayes got the puck across to a wide-open Klein, and he finished the play. The Rangers won 1-0 in OT to maintain their hold on second place in the Metropolitan. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2016/2/21/11086296/rangers-vs-red-wings-recap-kevin-kleins-ot-winner-lifts-rangers-over">Bryan Winters has this recap of the Rangers' win.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Rangers Game: </b>The Devils visited the Arena of Their First Win This Season back on February 8 to play Our Hated Rivals. It was full of shots, mostly by the Rangers. The Rangers out-shot the Devils 17-9 in the first period. <span>Cory Schneider</span> was absolutely on form to prevent the game from getting out of hand early. Unfortunately, a goal would come for the home team early in the second. <span>Mats Zuccarello</span> drew the defense and had an open Kevin Klein waiting for a shot. Pass, one-timer, 0-1. The Devils would out-shoot the Rangers 13-12 in the second, but the score remained 0-1. It became 0-2 early in the third when <span>J.T. Miller</span> snuck one through Schneider from some distance. It appeared the score would hold as the Devils couldn't really solve Henrik Lundqvist. When Andy Greene took a hooking call at 17:21, it looked like the game was set. Then <span>Keith Yandle</span> got blocked at the line, <span>Adam Henrique</span> led a 2-on-1 with <span>Travis Zajac</span>, and Zajac went backdoor on Lundqvist for the shorty. The Devils killed the penalty and proceeded to place a crazy amount of pressure on the Rangers. Lundqvist was asked to be great in the final minute. Unfortunately, he answered yes and there would be no dramatic equalizer. The Devils lost 1-2. As I was out, there's no recap here so <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2016/2/8/10946502/rangers-vs-devils-recap-rangers-win-third-straight-defeat-devils-2-1">here's Bryan Winters' recap at Blueshirt Banter.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Seeing that the Devils' defensive coverage was spotty in D.C. and they conceded 37 shots to the Rangers in their last meeting, the goal is clear: maintain your defensive assignments. Too many players just lost their men on Saturday night whether it was to focus on the puck or somebody else. Schneider and the squad paid the price for that multiple times. And if the gameplan is going to rely on Schneider denying a ton of shots early in the game again, there's a chance that despite Schneider's best efforts, the deluge may not end with a zero on the scoreboard. It's important that the Devils' defensemen and forwards communicate to each other as to who has who, when they need help, and recognize when to move to a different position and when get away. Hint: it's not when the other team has the puck and is looking to make a pass. If the Devils can be stinger on defense tonight, then they got a better chance of coming away with points than if they try to do what they have been doing on last Saturday night or back on February 8.</p>
<p><b>The Stakes: </b>While I'm now more than ever a non-believer in a playoff spot for this team, I would absolutely love a Devils win tonight. This is very much a rivalry game and it's always good to beat a rival even if the season is going to end up ending in early April. As it stands, the Devils are 2-1-0 against the Rangers. In contrast, the Rangers are 1-1-1. By points, the Devils are up 4-3. This will be the last time these two teams will face each other. A Devils win ensures the season series. That may end up being a consolation prize, but it's a good one to have. Especially when the playoff previews come, I can sit there and state, "Playoff run? They couldn't beat the <i>Devils</i> in a season series." as I enjoy the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a> knocking them off in 6.</p>
<p>Of course, a Rangers regulation win means they take it and that would be bad. An OT/SO loss to Our Hated Rivals would mean the series is even since both teams would have earned five points from the games.</p>
<p><b>Not Yet: </b>Mike Cammalleri will not be playing tonight. <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/looks-unlikely-devils-cammalleri-will-play-this-week-maintenance-day-for-greene-schlemko-gionta-1.1515988">Tom Gulitti confirmed at Fire & Ice yesterday that Cammalleri will be held out tonight and playing at all this week is in doubt.</a> For someone who doesn't need surgery, the fact that he's close to being out for two months makes me really concerned as to what he's afflicted with. It's definitely not helping an already offensive-talent-starved Devils team. I'm not saying everything would be amazing if he were back but it would be a lot better for many involved. Alas, that's not going to happen just yet.</p>
<p><b>Let's Do Better: </b>In the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Capitals</a> game, I really liked how the Zajac line performed. I want to see that continue, especially in what I saw from <span>Kyle Palmieri</span>. Without Cammalleri, he's definitely one of the few who has to pick up the offensive slack. He's done that to a degree in the last two games, I want to see him keep it up. In contrast, the Henrique line was rather poor. I'd like to that line have a better night. I (and certainly some scouts from other teams) want to see more from <span>Lee Stempniak</span>. I want to see Adam Henrique contribute more for the twenty minutes that he's likely going to play. I want to see <span>Joseph Blandisi</span> handle the puck better and make better decisions with it. He's been too careless, too reckless in the last few games; he really does need to settle down a bit.</p>
<p>As for the defense, well, everyone could do better from the last game. If I have to <strike>suffer</strike> witness <span>Seth Helgeson</span> playing again, then I want to see him at least not cough up pucks and get lost in his own end. Likewise, I want <span>Jon Merrill</span> to lead that pairing instead of just going with it out there. Of course, I'd rather see Helgeson sit for Damon Severson. But what do I know more than John Hynes about playing your best six defenseman for a rivalry game that sure would be a good time to end a currently three game losing streak?</p>
<p><b>Who's Not on the Other Side: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/rangerrants/mcdonagh_out_again_against_devils_tomorrow_night_but_skates_on_his_own_and_is_improving/">Andrew Gross, Tom Gulitti's colleague at The Bergen Record, reported on Monday at Rangers Rants</a> that defenseman <span>Ryan McDonagh</span> will not play tonight. He's doing better since getting elbowed in the jaw in their recent win over Toronto. He does plan on joining the Rangers for their upcoming road trip so he may not be out for long. That's good news, I don't think many people really want to see someone out hurt like that. That being said, McDonagh's absence is something the Devils should take full advantage. McDonagh averages more minutes than any Rangers skater, he's their second most productive defenseman with seven goals, nineteen assists, and 92 shots on net, and he takes a lot of tough competition while dragging <span>Dan Girardi</span> around. Needless to say, he's more than just a guy on the blueline for New York.</p>
<p>What has their blueline looked like? <a target="_blank" href="http://leftwinglock.com/line-combinations/new-york-rangers/?team=new-york-rangers&strength=EV&gametype=1">According Left Wing Lock's information from the Rangers' most recent game</a>, Girardi has been riding along with Keith Yandle; <span>Marc Staal</span> has been paired with Kevin Klein; and <span>Dylan McIlrath</span> has been with <span>Dan Boyle</span>. That third pairing is certainly a fun one: a rather inexperienced defenseman known for his toughness is with a 39-year old Boyle. I'd like to see New Jersey pick on that. I'd like to see the Devils just go after Girardi over and over and over and over and over. If he's having the rare good night, then fine, lay up a bit. If he's not, then they need to exploit him as he's McDonagh-less. Yandle is definitely a pretty good defender, but he's not the regular security blanket for the The $5.5 Million Man.</p>
<p><b>Who to Be Careful of Among the Rangers Who Will Play: </b>Henrik Lundqvist is always a challenge. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=goaliebystrength&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=evSaves&aggregate=0&teamId=3&pos=G">With a 94% even strength save percentage, he's a rather difficult challenge.</a> Curiously, he's been far more vulnerable on the power play with an 83.7% save percentage in PK situations. The Devils would be wise to maintain possession - I know, easier said than done - to draw an extra call or two because that could be the way dethrone this false king tonight. Lundqvist is coming off a shutout in a dual regulation shutout effort on Sunday. We know Cory Schneider is amazing - and <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/looks-unlikely-devils-cammalleri-will-play-this-week-maintenance-day-for-greene-schlemko-gionta-1.1515988">he's unsurprisingly starting this game, per Gulitti</a> - so there could be another goalie duel. It'll be on the Devils skaters to try and ruin that.</p>
<p>Speaking of the skaters, they'll have to pay attention to plenty of players. Perhaps not <span>Rick Nash</span> as <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/j_tasch/status/701816448398790656">he wasn't at practice along with McDonagh per Justin Tasch on Twitter</a> (I saw it through Left Wing Lock). He also didn't play on Sunday. One less crease crashing big man to deal with isn't a bad thing. Yet, there's a bigger threat in J.T. Miller. Miller has been hot this month with four goals and five assists in ten February games. Three of those four goals came against the Devils. <a target="_blank" href="http://leftwinglock.com/line-combinations/new-york-rangers/?team=new-york-rangers&strength=EV&gametype=1">Per Left Wing Lock</a>, Miller has been with <span>Derick Brassard</span> and <span>Jesper Fast</span>. Brassard, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=3&pos=S">who is the team's second leading scorer</a>, will find Miller the puck as needed and the young forward can certainly finish it. Assuming Brassard doesn't finish the play himself, which he can certainly do. Should the Devils truly re-focus on defense tonight, paying plenty of attention to what those two are doing would be a good first step.</p>
<p>What makes that unit difficult to deal with is that there's another line that carries a serious threat. Their leading scorer is Zuccarello and he's been skating with their Travis Zajac, <span>Derek Stepan</span>, and a man with plenty of offensive talent and very little sense, <span>Chris Kreider</span>. Schneider will have to be concerned with Kreider alone since he occasionally loses his ability to stop whenever he skates towards a goalie's crease. More seriously, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=3&pos=S">Zuccarello, Stepan, and Kreider all shoot the puck quite a bit - with varying success as they have have 20, 13, and 11 goals respectively</a>. It is quick trio that definitely knows how to move the puck around efficiently as well as counter-attack should the Devils concede the puck in a bad spot on offense. As hot as Miller has been this month, this would be their top line and that's definitely a concern. Especially if Yandle is with them as he'll just keep distributing and bombing pucks from the back while Girardi does...something.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>Digs aside, this is a rivalry game and the last one for this season between these two. I don't have to tell you how I feel about the opposition. I hope the Devils do it right and don't let the Rock down tonight. What do you think will happen? Who concerns you the most on the Rangers? Who on the Devils do you think has to have a very good game tonight? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/2/23/11095682/game-preview-61-new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-rangersJohn Fischer