Game 72: Build on the big win against the Devils

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Last night, the Rangers went out and beat a Columbus Blue Jackets team that was ahead of them in the standings with games in hand. Now, the Rangers hold a two point lead on the Jackets (yes, they still have a game in hand) and have the tiebreakers (ROW, head to head record) as well. As long as this club continues winning and getting points, the Blue Jackets will not be able to catch them. The Devils are tonight’s opponent, and building on that big win against a non-playoff team is critical.

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 (confirmed):

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