New York Rangers seeking revenge against New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
Early this month when New Jersey Devils played against New York Rangers in a National Hockey League (NHL) game, the former was on a winning run that eventually helped it beating the latter.
This time around, however, the case is different.
Devils are on a losing run and a meeting with Rangers on Monday, February 27, 2012, at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York might allow the Rangers to take revenge.
That said, Rangers should also be careful as their recent performance has been shaky.
Let’s have a look at both the team.
Devils
Devils have maintained two winning runs of four games each this month and considering the pattern they have followed throughout the month, the odds will be in their favour.
They won first four games of the month and then lost two, which were followed by another four-game winning run.
They have lost two more after the recent winning streak and if the pattern is followed they will win the game.
However, the result is more dependent on the performance rather than the winning or losing trends.
Devils got their recent defeats against Vancouver Canucks (2-1) and Tampa Bay Lightning (4-3).
After taking a one-goal lead in the first period, Devils could not face Lightning’s aggressions and despite staging an impressive performance in the final period, they lost the game.
Devils’ captain, Zach Parise, was of the view that the loss was a result of a better game-play by Lightning rather than poor show by Devils.
He said:
"Regardless of where these guys (the Lightning) are in the standings they have some really good players and they won the game for them.”
He added:
“Whether a team is first in the conference or you're playing (the Lightning), it's going to be a hard game. That's how equal everything is. We have to do a better job."
Devils are ranked at sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with 74 points after 61 games.
Rangers
Rangers are leading the Eastern Conference with 84 points after 60 games.
In their last game, Rangers defeated Buffalo Sabres to snap their two-game skid.
Sabres scored in the first period while Rangers did it in the second. In the final period, both teams scored apiece to send the game to overtime where Rangers managed a goal to seal the victory.
Rangers’ captain, Ryan Callahan, said:
"In the last stretch, we've been a little inconsistent. We didn't get the wins we wanted to. I think it was important tonight for us to come out and have a good 60-minute game."
Predictions
Rangers will win.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Devils win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
Tags: