Overview
After a disappointing 5-1 loss to the New York Islanders on Monday, the New Jersey Devils will take on their division rival New York Rangers in a marquee playoff race matchup tonight at the Prudential Center.
The Devils have floundered as of late, going 4-4-2 over their last 10, and they’ll need to round into form if they want to stay in the race for the Metropolitan Division crown heading into the final stretch. With the Rangers hot on their heels, there’s no room for error in what’s sure to be the most exciting game of the season.
The Devils are 46-20-8 and sit second in the Metro with 100 points. The Rangers are right behind them with a 44-20-10 record and 98 points. Both teams trail the first-place Hurricanes, who have 103 points.
Lines and Pairings
Devils –
Forwards
Meier-Hischier-Mercer
Palat-Hughes-Bratt
Tatar-Haula-Boqvist
Wood-McLeod-Sharangovich
Defense
Siegenthaler-Hamilton
Graves-Marino
Bahl-Severson
Goalies
Vanecek
Blackwood
Rangers –
Forwards
Panarin-Zibanejad-Tarasenko
Kreider-Trocheck-Kane
Lafreniere-Chytil-Kakko
Vesey-Goodrow-Motte
Defense
Miller-Truoba
Mikkola-Fox
Harpur-Schneider
Goalies
Shesterkin
Halak
Keys to the Game
Vanecek Looks to Build Momentum
Since his horrendous February and early March, Vitek Vanecek has been serviceable in net. Over his past five games, including one where he came in cold to relieve Akira Schmid, Vanecek has posted a .908 save percentage (SV%) and 1.34 goals saved above expected (GSAx). On Monday, he tallied a .912 SV% and 0.11 GSAx.
Any team hoping for a deep playoff run has to have a red-hot goalie to lead the charge. Vanecek has lost some playing time to Akira Schmid and MacKenzie Blackwood recently, but figures to be the unquestioned starter going forward. A strong game against a feared Rangers squad will help him build confidence for when the weight of the season is on his shoulders.
Playoff Race Heats Up
As mentioned above, both the Devils and Rangers are battling the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Metropolitan Division. Carolina is three points ahead of the Devils and five in front of the Rangers with a game in hand. Tonight will be crucial in deciding who challenges Carolina for the throne.
If the season ended today, the Devils and Rangers would face each other in a first-round series. While this would be extremely exciting, would be a very tough matchup for both teams. If the Devils leapfrog the Canes, they would face the top wild card in the Eastern Conference.
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSGSN at 7:00 PM.