New Jersey Devils host the New York Rangers in their surge to the play-off cut
The first game of Friday will be hosted by the New Jersey Devils as they play host to the New York Rangers at the Prudential Centre. This will be the fifth of the six scheduled meetings to take place between the two sides.
Out of the four previous meetings, Rangers won the first three which took place during the past year 3-1, 3-0 and 3-1 respective. However, winds changed directions in the last game which was the first meeting between the two sides of the year as the Devils
won the game 3-2. Ahead of the game, the statistics favour Rangers win as they have won 16 games in regulation time, scored a point in six game lost only two games since the start of the 2007 season.
Though none of the Devils administration men would admit the fact that they are striving for a play-off finish but there is still a slight chance that they would. The last 16 games played by the Devils have changed the whole outcome of the franchise which
was heading for its worst season during its entire history. They have won 13 games in regulation, scored a point in one and lost only two games. Their last game against the Carolina Hurricanes saw them winning 3-2 this Wednesday and move into the 13th
spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Rangers are in seventh in the Eastern Conference and will be looking for a win to further strengthen their chances. However, Devils have a strong chance of making it into the play-offs as they 23 of remaining 25 games are against their own Conference
teams.
"They're ahead of us by a mile," Devils coach Jacques Lemaire said of the Rangers. "That hasn't changed. We're still on the same level as we were. It's not a competition (between) the two. It'' not. They're in the playoffs. Us, we're not. It's just a game
that the two teams want to get two points. That's what it is."
The Devils put up quite a shot against the Hurricanes in their most recent clash. They were very strong on the offence and took a 3-0 lead. However, they managed to hold on for win despite allowing two goals later in the game. Martin Bordeur, goalie of the
Devils was missed the game due to injury and his replacement did the job despite last minute scares.
"Anybody knows that if your goalie is no good one night, you don't win," Lemaire said. "It's that simple. We're fortunate he's been playing like this. Now he feels responsibilities. I think it's a big part of the difference. He's a competitor, and now he
sees the challenge and he steps up."
The Devils have played 57 games in the season so far out of which they have won 23 games in regulation time, four games in overtime and scored 50 points. New York Rangers on the other hand have played 59 games out of which they have won 31 games in overtime,
four games in overtime and scored 66 points.
Rangers are also in good form as they won their last game against the Los Angeles Kings today. Henrik Lundqvist, goalie of the Rangers did a superb job making save after save as they won 4-3 after shootout. This earned the goalie with his 200th
NHL win.
Not only this, but the frontline has also been very productive for the Rangers bagging goals regularly. The game is going to be very exciting and entertaining with quite a few goals expected to be scored.
Tags: