In the 1st game of Tuesday, the Rangers visit Prudential Center and the Devils. After a horrific season last year, the Devils turned the tables and finished 2nd in the Metropolitan division this season. The Rangers on the other hand are back in the playoffs and will be looking to go even further this time in. We should be in for a thriller of a series between two division rivals.
It’s really amazing how far the Devils have come since last year and years past. They were only 6 points behind the Canes for the division title and ended the season with 110 points. Something that’s made a big difference for the Devils is the goaltending. Vitek Vanecek has had a stellar year with his 2.45 GAA and his record is a whopping 33-11 (nhl.com). For a team like the Devils who already have good offensive players, the goaltending gave the extra push and now they’re in the playoffs. At the trade deadline, New Jersey went ahead and added depth to their team by acquiring Timo Meier from San Jose which was a good get. To win this series, the Devils have to slow down the Rangers top 6 forwards and make Gerrard Gallant use his 3rd and 4th line. The Devils can’t take dumb penalties and have to stay disciplined. As long as the Devils keep MSG quiet, I give them a good chance to win.
I have a feeling that the Rangers can go all the way this year. They were so tough last year and now they’re even stronger. In the 1st Round, they bested the Pens in 7 games and then faced the Canes who they also silenced by beating in 7 games. This team nearly went to the Cup and now they have a stronger squad. Patrick Kane is growing in the Empire State and I feel we can see the best of him in the playoffs. Vladimir Tarasenko was also brought over at the trade deadline and his experience could prove valuable. In these series, New York has to put the Devils under pressure because I don’t think most of the Devils players have been to the playoffs before. Additionally, the middle of the ice is important because the Devils’ speed and transition is really really slick. The speed has to be slowed down by the Rangers for them to win and advance.
My prediction for Game 1 is 4-3 to the Rangers. My series prediction is that the Rangers win in 6 games. This New York team is structured and built for the playoffs and I just think they’ll be too much for the Devils. Madison Square Garden will be bouncing and get New Jersey’s players nervous. It’ll be an entertaining series but I believe that the Rangers will win. This game is available to watch on TBS at 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday, April 18th.
Two teams separated by only a river. A series win but bragging rights forever? Can the Devils beat their neighbors or will the Rangers come away with the victory? We’ll find out from Prudential Center on Tuesday evening.
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