The rival New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers are set to meet for only the second time this season. The Rangers emerged victorious, 4-3 via a shootout, in the first meeting all the way back in November. Since then, the Rangers (34-15-5) have cemented themself as a playoff team and the Devils (19-30-5), not so much.
Overviews
The Devils rapid goal scoring pace continued their last game against Columbus despite the loss. New Jersey has scored three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. However, over that span they only have four victories. If Igor Shesterkin is in net, continuing this rapid scoring stretch may be difficult. Regardless, should be a terrific test for an all of the sudden offensively-potent team.
The Rangers are one of the most interesting case studies in the league this season. Regardless, they sit third in the Metropolitan Division. They did lose two in a row before their 5-3 victory against St. Louis Wednesday. And entering tonight, the Rangers are 3-2-1 in their last six games. They are led by the trio of Artemi Panarin (59 points in 49 games), Chris Kreider (35 goals in 54 games), and Adam Fox (46 assists in 51 games). And most importantly, Hart Trophy contender Igor Shesterkin (.940 save percentage).
Projected Lines
New Jersey Devils’ –
Forwards:
Sharangovich/Hughes/Mercer
Zacha/Hischier/Bratt
Johnsson/Boqvist/Tatat
Vesey/McLeod/Bastian
Defensemen:
Siegenthaler/Hamilton
Graves/Severson
White/Subban
Goaltenders:
Daws
Gillies
New York Rangers’ –
Forwards:
Kreider/Zibanejad/Lafreniere
Panarin/Strome/Hunt
McKegg/Chytil/Gauthier
Goodrow/Rooney/Reaves
Defensemen:
Lindgren/Fox
Miller/Trouba
Nemeth/Schneider
Goaltenders:
Shesterkin
Georgiev
Who/What to Watch for?
- Despite what the records show, the New Jersey Devils are the better five-on-five hockey team. The Rangers have struggled mightily at even strength this season. They rank last in Corsi-for % (CF%) and 27th in goal share (46.08%). Conversely, the Devils rank 12th with a CF% of 51.05 and 14th with a goal share of 51.27%. When the game is at five-on-five, do not be surprised if New Jersey looks the better part.
- So, why are the Rangers 34-15-5? Two reasons: the main being Shesterkin. The Russian has saved a remarkable 29.86 goals above expected (GSAx). This figure leads the league and is an absurd 41.59 goals better from MacKenzie Blackwood’s -11.73 GSAx. Shesterkin’s value to the Rangers is arguably more than any other player’s to their respective team. The definition of what the Hart Trophy stands for.
- The second reason why the Rangers are as good as they are despite their terrible five-on-five play: the power play, led by Kreider (league-high 18 power play goals). This sets up arguably the most intriguing matchup of the night: the Devils’ 11th ranked penalty kill (81.4%) and the Rangers’ fourth ranked power play (25.7%). The Rangers have the fourth highest expected goals-for per 60 (xGF/60) on the man advantage and the lowest expected goals-for against per 60 (xGA/60). Basically this means the Rangers are expected to score a lot and spend a lot of time in the offensive zone. The Devils, on the other hand, have the fifth-best xGA/60. A very interesting matchup to monitor.
- It is hard to write about the Devils and not mention Jack Hughes. The star forward has 39 points in only 34 games played. He is also riding a 10-game point streak (nine goals and nine assists) and has an absurd 11 points in his last five games. As a team that gives up a lot at five-on-five, Hughes should be able to create a ton against a slower New York team. Worth pointing out, the Rangers do have a lot of size, so that is an aspect to keep an eye on as well.
Tonight’s game will be televised on MSG+2. It is scheduled for a 7:00 PM ET puck drop at the Madison Square Garden.
(Statistics courtesy of Evolving-Hockey and Natural Stat Trick)