Introduction

If you followed along to Thursday’s loss against the New York Rangers on our Devils Army Network social media channels, it was me who was doing the updating. Yes, I watched that agonizing game along with you. It was far from the New Jersey Devils’ best nights. I’m surprised the fans in the stand weren’t wearing paper bags on their heads out of embarrassment.

Well, guess what, the New Jersey Devils get to face the New York Rangers again this afternoon. I’m going to try my best to be optimistic, so let’s take a look at what this Saturday afternoon game will entail. Hopefully, we can get our weekends started with a win.

Players To Watch

Igor Shesterkin:

The heir to Henrik Lundqvist has shut the Devils out in back-to-back meetings. This kid is a problem. With a day’s rest on Friday, I see no reason why the Rangers won’t want to go with their sure thing in the net as they chase a playoff spot. Let’s hope the Devils can get a few past him, the kid’s been perfect so far this week.

Ty Smith:

The rookie defenseman has been one of the few pleasant surprises for New Jersey this year. While he definitely has some work to do defensively, his skills as an offensive-defenseman remind us a bit of Scott Neidermayer.

Okay, that’s a stretch, but as I said, I’m trying be positive here. With Dmitry Kulikov being shipped off to Edmonton, Smith is going to have to learn to take a bit more responsibility in his own end. He was second on the team in ice time during Thursday’s loss with 23:04, just shy of P.K. Subban.

Jack Hughes:

Jack Hughes had his best showing of the season earlier this year against the Rangers. He provided some of the only highlights the red and black got against the Blueshirts this season. Wouldn’t it be great if he could replicate that same performance again?

Keys To Victory

Score A Goal:

I’m setting the bar really low here. When you have been shutout in two consecutive games against the same team, this would be a good place to start. Maybe one will open the flood gates here.

Contain Artemi Panarin:

Panarin has four points in the two games against New Jersey this week. He’s the Rangers’ biggest offensive threat, but especially against the Devils. Adam Fox and Colin Blackwell have also had impressive performances of their own in each game.

Quality Shots:

New Jersey outshot New York 27 to 20 on Tuesday. New York outshot New Jersey 33 to 16 on Thursday. In this Hudson River Rivalry it’s not so much the number of shots, but the quality. When you get a shot on Shesterkin, make it a good one.

Prediction

Third time might be the charm. I’ll say a 3-2 New Jersey Devils victory that’s thrilling until the end.