New York Rangers travel to play against the slumping New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
The struggling New Jersey Devils did not have an ideal road trip and now when they have returned home, the burden is not going to be reduced.
After a short four-game road trip, Devils are back at home where they will host National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference leaders, New York Rangers, on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey.
Rangers are going to kick off their three-game road trip with the game against Devils.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Devils
They are ranked fourth in Atlantic Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference with 77 points after 65 games.
Their playoff chances are still alive, but if they do not recover from the slump, which is a result of inconsistent performance, they might find themselves in trouble.
Devils have lost five of their last six games with the recent defeat coming against New York Islanders.
The only scoring move of the game came early in the second period.
Devils’ goaltender, Martin Brodeur, correctly pointed out the main flaw and urged the offence to find its rhythm.
He said after the game against Islanders:
"We have to play harder because it will bite you in this league if you don't. We just didn't create much offense in front of that young goalie in the pipes."
In the last six games, Devils have scored a total of 12 goals while conceding 13 with two teams managing shutout against them.
If Devils do not overcome their flaws, it will be hard for them to beat the Rangers.
Rangers
They are leading the Atlantic Division, the Eastern Conference and have more points than any other team in the league.
After playing 64 games, they have 91 points. Vancouver Canucks from the Western Conference have 90 points.
Rangers have won four of their last five games with the recent win coming against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, Boston Bruins.
Rangers have struggled slightly of late, but somehow they managed victories. Goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, said of this situation:
“Maybe our last two games we weren't perfect, but we still managed to get points. That's a strength. That's what it comes down to -- just find ways to win games, or at least get points. We didn't play our best ... but we stayed in the game."
Predictions
Rangers have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might exceed six.
If Devils win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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