Game 54: Stadium Series against the Devils

Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger

The Rangers and Devils will be the first two teams to ever play a hockey game at Yankee Stadium. That’s pretty cool. As for the game itself, this has pretty big implications in the standings. The Devils are two points back of the Rangers (who are in second place). So it goes without saying that this game is very important for both clubs. Both should come out firing on all cylinders. For those at the game, have fun. For those who aren’t, enjoy being warm.

The Devils employ a 1-2-2 forecheck which they’ll use aggressively in the offensive zone or passively in the neutral zone as a trap depending on game situation. In the defensive zone, Deboer employs a hybrid overload/zone defensive system depending on whether the puck is along the boards or at mid-ice.

On special teams, the Devils employ an umbrella/1-3-1 power play. On the penalty kill, the Devs rotate between a box and a diamond depending on puck location and the setup of the opposition.

Rangers Lineup:

Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–Rick Nash
Carl Hagelin–Brad Richards–Ryan Callahan
Benoit Pouliot–Derick Brassard–Mats Zuccarello
Brian Boyle–Dominic Moore-Dan Carcillo