Standings Aside, Rivalry Remains: Rangers and Devils Meet in Season Finale Clash
The battle of the Hudson River continues with the third and final meeting between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. Quite a lot has changed in the short time since these two rivals faced off. While the Devils desperately try to keep their season alive, New York has accepted their fate and looks to the youngsters on the ice. Though not much has changed with New Jersey's lineup, the Rangers find themselves with quite a few rookies on theirs, looking to get some experience in just how chaotic this Hudson River rivalry can get. A new chapter in the Hudson River battle awaits as the New Jersey Devils return to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. EST.
The big difference in this next chapter is how little this game means, standing-wise. As the Devils look to fall out of playoff contention any day now, it's all about playing the kids to end the season. A shame how little this game means to either team, but a rivalry matchup like this is never one to miss. In the kind of history these two teams have over the decades, fans should expect yet another intense battle for control of the Hudson River. As the Rangers begin their retooling stage off right with a high draft pick, New Jersey looks to do whatever it can to end this disappointing season on a positive note. As the two rivals meet for the third and final time this season, how do they match up exactly?
The Blueshirts go into tomorrow night 30-35-9 on the season, while the Devils enter 38-33-2, though it's not the overall records that make this interesting. Over the course of the season, divisional matchups have not been quite favorable for these two teams. New Jersey stands at 6-14-2 against their Metropolitan Division neighbors, while the Rangers are 8-13-3. The matchup certainly becomes more interesting considering both teams' struggles against rivals this season, though it would seem New Jersey may have the upper hand. As New Jersey leads the season series 2-0 going into tomorrow, they have a chance to finish the season sweep and favor the Blueshirts draft odds. The records are one thing, though it's really those on the ice that determine the final score.
Unlike the Devils, New York's team has been invaded by rookies, making this Rangers season quite watchable as of late. With youngsters like Gabe Perreault, Adam Sykora, and Jaroslav Chmelar getting on the board, it's a promising sign for what's to come from them. Meanwhile, those Devils on the ice may not bring their team to the playoffs, but they're always ready to shut the Rangers down. Coming off a two-goal night against Chicago, Jack Hughes sits with 20 goals and 15 assists overall in his 25 games against the Rangers and looks to continue that dominance tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden. Having scored a hat trick in their first meeting this season, as well as a goal and two assists in their second meeting, who knows how the 24-year-old will torment the Blueshirts tomorrow night? It'll certainly be a joy watching the kids go at it, but how do the top performers square up exactly?
Following a season he'd much rather forget, Mika Zibanejad has bounced back beautifully this year with 32 goals and 37 assists. On the other end of the ice, the New Jersey captain, Nico Hischier, has 26 goals and 31 assists on the season, looking to lead his team to another Hudson River victory. It's not just the veterans to watch, though; it's the first overall picks who have also been on offensive surges. New York's 2020 first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere remains hot with four goals and five assists in his last 10 games, while New Jersey's 2019 first overall pick Jack Hughes continues to dominate with seven goals and 11 assists in his last 10. An absolute joy for both fanbases to see offensive surges like this from their future, so what can fans expect on the ice tomorrow night?
It's always a match to remember with these two teams; another chapter is soon to be put in the books, but which team does that chapter belong to exactly? As the Devils have demonstrated against the Rangers this season, they won't hesitate to bring the intensity with their top line. In a season where the Blueshirts are looking ahead, their rookies will need to continue to impress if they have a chance to avoid the season sweep. Records and standings continue to mean very little to these teams as they meet for the final time this season, the only question that really matters in this rivalry: who owns the Hudson River this season?
