The biggest game of the year is here. The Rangers are in Jersey to take on the Devils with home ice in the first round of the playoffs at stake. The Rangers are two points back of the Devils, so a win tonight puts them in a virtual tie. The Devils have more wins and ROW wins, but the Rangers have more regulation wins. A win gives the Rangers a huge leg up on the all of a sudden limping Devils.
The Devils may be limping, but a game against the Rangers will surely wake them up. They are loaded with firepower and have a good defensive group, but lack the elite level goaltending the Rangers have. Naturally, Igor Shesterkin will be a difference maker in this one.
This is also their first meeting since the trade deadline, where the Rangers loaded up with Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane. The Devils landed Timo Meier. These teams are at their best, minus Ryan Lindgren. This may not be a precursor of what to expect in the first round, but it is definitely one where either team can send a message.
Devils Lines
Timo Meier-Nico Hischier-Dawson Mercer
Ondrej Palat-Jack Hughes-Jesper Bratt
Tomas Tatar-Erik Haula-Jesper Boqvist
Miles Wood-Michael McLeod-Yegor Sharangovich
Jonas Siegenthaler-Dougie Hamilton
Ryan Graves-John Marino
Kevin Bahl-Damon Severson
Vitek Vanacek gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Chris Kreider-Vincent Trocheck-Patrick Kane
Artemi Panarin-Mika Zibanejad-Vladimir Tarasenko
Alexis Lafreniere-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko
Tyler Motte-Barclay Goodrow-Jimmy Vesey
Niko Mikkola-Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller-Jacob Trouba
Ben Harpur-Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin gets the start.
Injuries: Ryan Lindgren (shoulder)
Crazy Prediction: A statement win by the Rangers
Game time is 7pm.
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