Rangers Vs. Devils: Keys To The Game
by Bryan Winters on Feb 7, 2012 12:01 PM EST
in New York Rangers Pregame
Email
Print
The New York Rangers will face-off against their second Atlantic Division rival this week, which will be the New Jersey Devils, tonight at MSG. On Sunday, the Rangers came away with a very exciting 5-2 victory, which marked the start of a great day for New York Sports. Tonight will be another tough game for the Rangers, as the Devils are crawling up the standings pretty quickly. With that said, here are tonight's keys to the game.
Remain Physical: Last game against the Philadelphia Flyers, and pretty much matched them hit for hit the entire afternoon. This type of play is perfect for divisional games, and it is what makes them that much more interesting. They need to keep that up tonight, as the Devils are not an easy team to face either. While remaining physical, they also need to play smart as well.
Tone Down The Penalties: This was pretty evident against the Flyers, but the Rangers cannot afford to be giving teams constant power plays. The Devils have a decent power play, as they have Ilya Kovalchuk who can bomb it from the point at any given moment. With that said, the Rangers need to keep themselves out of the penalty box tonight, and stick to how they play hockey.
Follow after the jump for more.
Somehow Fix The Power Play: Obviously spending almost entire practice that was dedicated to the power play, couldn't solve the Rangers power play woes. I'm really confused as to why they play great hockey, but as soon as they are given a power play, it seems as if they completely forget it. At points, it seems like they can't even gain the zone, even with one less opponent on the ice. Tonight, the Rangers are sure to get some power play time, and they absolutely need to find a way to score, there are no excuses anymore.
122 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
First Goal: Brad Richards
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 7, 2012 12:23 PM EST via Android app reply actions
I want them to win tonight soOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Like win Winter Classic bad.
"It's far from done, but we did get something accomplished."-#19 B.Richards
by -19-AgainstAll on Feb 7, 2012 12:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Devils
that bounce/goal last week has energized the Devils, they are playing really well. this should be a tough game.
Shoot the puck Barry!!!
Devils get benefit of shootout
ROWs: 21,23, 29 (NJD,pit,phi respectively)
NYR first to 30 ROW this season.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 1:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Devils fan here
Now I have been a Devils fan my entire life, and I have enjoyed the years of success. However, the first cup the Devils won, I was too young to really know what was going on (5 yrs old). However, being on John’s site, In Lou We Trust (Which I love), discusses each game against the Rangers like it is game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. I understand the rivalry between the two teams, and I also understand this is only because of the distance between to two teams.
With that being said, I was looking for a Rangers fan point of view. Is this rivalry as big for Rangers fans as it is for Devils fans?
I’m not trying to upset you guys or anything by posting on here. With that being said, Go Devils. Hope it is close game tonight, Devs win 3-2. lol. I had to.
First Ranger Goal Guess: Del Zotto
Thanks Josh
P.S. Lundqvist is sick! Best goalie in the game as of right now.
Joshd12
Brock University
BA. Sports Management, 2014
BA. Recreation and Leisure Studies
it used to be a big rivalry
but the devils are not as strong as they used to be,still being from NJ and absolutely hating the devils it is still big for me.
I want the Rangers to absolutely crush the devils every time they play regardless of the standings.
die a slow painful death New Jersey Devils, hope you get relocated.
Honestly ILWT makes it a much bigger deal than we do, do I want to win vs you guys? Sure. Do I hate losing to you? Obviously, who wants to see their team lose. but I think I look forward to Philly/caps/Bruins more. ILWTs whole “most hated rival” thing is way over my thoughts of the rivalry.
Once we get into the playoffs tho it’s a different story.
At least that’s my opinion.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 1:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And I’m from NJ so I prob have some bonus hatred towards the devils because of it lol
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 1:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Oh and last thing: it’s really easy to provoke most guys at ILWT haha so that’s why some guys post over there after games
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 1:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i grew up in new jersey, but i was an original six baby. :) i don’t like the devils, never will. do i like some of their players? yes. i see it as a rivalry, a bit different than an original six rivalry, but a rivalry all the same. pretty much like the islander rivalry.
Shoot the puck Barry!!!
Yup same here I’m a rangers fan by blood, grandfather was going to rangers games at MSG in the 40s 50s etc. been actively cheering for them since I could talk practically
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 1:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Same.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Not anymore. Most of their old cup-crew were on everybody’s shit-list, but nowadays there’s not much to hate: Marty’s done, the Kovalchuk situation/contract was a joke (he’s actually playing all-star hockey right now though), and, let’s face it, the team is in real trouble. The fan-base doesn’t show up to support them at all unless they’re winning a cup, they’re 20m in the hole this year…I mean they still have Lou, but they’re barely a step beyond the Islanders at this point, which is nothing more than an afterthought.
It’s still nice to beat them, Philly and Boston is it. A little with Washington too because F*** them. The Devils ‘rivalry’ just doesn’t have that pzazz any more.
I don’t understand how you can consider us a step above the islanders. The Devils have missed the playoffs once since 96. Not to mention we have the same playoff records since the lockout. 3 first round exits, 1 second round exit, 1 miss.
Maybe I misunderstood the way you meant a step above the islanders, but either way, I think it is a little bit stronger than that. (This of course could be because of ILWT; great site, love it)
Not to be an a-hole or anything but this is a serious question. I do not mean to get you upset or seem upset in anyway…
When the Devils finished first in the division in 09-10, 08-09, 06-07, & 05-06 was there a rivalry then. Did the Rangers and their fans get excited to play the Devils?
I could understand the 07-08 being one heck of a rivalry year. 4th and 5th respectively in the conference and playing each other in the first round.
I ask this as a Canadian, with little knowledge of this series. I was never around for the close series that went 7 games. I didn’t see Mess guarantee a win, I was too young.
Thanks again. I appreciate the honesty, and the politeness in all of your answers,
Josh
Come game time, I think we can all say there will be a lot of hatred towards each other.
Joshd12
Brock University
BA. Sports Management, 2014
BA. Recreation and Leisure Studies
I dunno, I think the rivalry is still alive , though admittedly a bit less fierce than in the past. I definitely like/want to beat the Devs a ton of a lot more than the Caps. For me personally, my desire to beat the Devs is more than the Caps, more than the Bruins, about even with the Isles, a little than the Pens, and a lot less than Philly who I despise.
See there’s a difference between being a rival and being a competitor.
Lots of rivalries are based on lots of playoff history, big upsets/surprises etc as well as geographical closeness.
The devils just don’t have the same history with us as Philly/Boston, then you have Wash who is probably the current devils replacement as a “secondary” rival from the past couple playoffs.
Basically the devils haven’t been around long enough to be a massive rival, whereas to devils fans we’ve all been around the same time so it’s probably harder to understand and even a few years of a rivalry seems like a huge one to you.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Also as I noted before, I think we’ve only lost 1 series to you guys, so it’s not much of a thought when we win most of our series against you, although that’s probably why Devils hate us more.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Burning Question
Why everrrrr would a Canadian become a Devils fan? Difficult enough to understand why anyone in New Jersey would become a Devils fan.
To be honest. I was 4 when the Devils won their first cup. Everyone else in my house was a Wings fan. Figured I would be a rebel. Stuck with them ever since.
Joshd12
Brock University
BA. Sports Management, 2014
BA. Recreation and Leisure Studies
Son, You Had a Chance to Be A Red Wings Fan . . .
. . . and passed it up? For a team that had the grand tradition of moving to a swamp after playing in Kansas City for two whole years (wow!) and then in Denver for six (Wilf Paiement)? For a team that needed a lockout to win its first cup? For a team whose best player was one of the dirtiest players in league history? For a team that employed the trap, the dullest strategy in league history? For a team that has the ugliest logo (what is that — an N? a J? Or both? Or neither?) and the ugliest numerals? For a team that has fans when they’re winning, and otherwise can’t be bothered? For a team that has announcers with the worst voices, the worst hairpieces, and the most suck-up to a basically average goaltender?
For all that, you passed up the chance to be a Wings fan?
Just to play devil’s advocate as a devils fan….
For a team whose best player was one of the dirtiest players in league history?
Scott Stevens? He of only 4 elbowing penalties? He who even Kozlov said was a clean player?
For a team that has the ugliest logo (what is that — an N? a J? Or both? Or neither?) and the ugliest numerals?
Pretty petty argument.
most suck-up to a basically average goaltender
You can make the argument Marty’s average now. But I’d take a young Brodeur over any other goalie at the same age, besides maybe Hasek.
my guess is he just couldn’t root for team that didn’t have Martin broaduer
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 7, 2012 5:55 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
ya, he was pretty good too.
Joshd12
Brock University
BA. Sports Management, 2014
BA. Recreation and Leisure Studies
Bah you were around while Roy was still on MTL and you rooted for the Devs? Did you ever get lynched by the other locals in Canada?
You completely lost the point. When I said ‘a step above the Islanders’, I meant in terms of rivalry status. I still want the team to win against the Isles and Devils, but let’s face it, the Isles haven’t been a competitive team in…forever, and the Devils just don’t have nearly the team they once had. Yeah, they can make the playoffs (because the bottom-half of the eastern conference annually sucks ass), but it just doesn’t mean that much to me anymore. Flyers and Bruins are just that much bigger right now, especially with the emergence of those 2 teams, and also the competition in other sports (Giants/Pats just makes Bruins/Rangers THAT much more compelling).
It has faded, but it's still alive
The Devils werent great last year, and the Rangers have been atop the standings all of this year. I feel like that has really strengthened rivalries with the Penguins, Flyers, Bruins, and to a lesser extent, Capitals. It’s the same as our Isles “rivalry”. The history is there, but it’s not very heated when one team is constantly irrelevant. I dont even hate the Pens as much this year, without Crosby and with Matt Cooke playing like a girl scout.
Honestly, if they meet in the playoffs this year, they’ll instantly jump back to the top of my list. Just the usual ebb and flow of rivalries.
Its still there
But because there really haven’t been great playoff series (which helped the two teams develop a rivalry) I don’t think its that strong. For example I see Caps/Rangers as a growing rivalry because we’ve faced them in the playoffs more often and more recently and they’ve eliminated us.
I still riled up for Devils games but I think the rivalry is more one sided than it used to be
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
+1
Add-on: Plus we’ve only lost to the Devils in the playoffs once I think, so there’s not much rivalry when we always win series against them.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
they’ve had way more success tho
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 7, 2012 5:25 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
A) Not against us, which is the basis of rivalries
B) the teams still young, let’s check in on the stats in 30 more years or so.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
it still burns to see them win 3 Stanley cups in a short span when most fans have only seen the rangers win 1
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 7, 2012 5:37 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Meh, we won our first 3 cups quick as well, who knows when they’ll win their next, maybe they’ll have their own 54yr drought.
I don’t just consider whatever team wins the cup each year a rival tho.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Also for the hell of it:
NY RANGERS
Stanley Cups 4 (1927–28, 1932–33, 1939–40, 1993–94)
Conference championships 1 (1993–94)
Presidents’ Trophies 2 (1991–92, 1993–94)
Division championships 5 (1926–27, 1931–32, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1993–94)
NJ DEVILS
Stanley Cups 3 (1994–95, 1999–00, 2002–03)
Conference championships 4 (1994–95, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03)
Presidents’ Trophies 0
Division championships 9 (1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10)
They’ve won more in the regular season than us(but never got President trophy, which we have once), we’ve won more cups.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I messed up the pres. Trophy comment, obv we won twice
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
with all due respect, you won three cups with only 6 teams.
Joshd12
Brock University
BA. Sports Management, 2014
BA. Recreation and Leisure Studies
Lol. Obvious troll is becoming more obvious. But you’re fun so I’ll go along.
You won 3 cups by making the game slow and boring to the point that we had to rewrite a 70+ year old rule book.
by teknics on Feb 7, 2012 5:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
ah, fair enough, but I promise you I look nicer than a troll ;)
I mean 0 disrespect. Just a 21-yr old who wanted to learn about the history of the Devils-Rangers.
Figured there was a couple of you Rangers fan who would teach me a thing or two.
I am honestly shocked to see that the Devils have only beaten the Rangers once in the playoffs. I would have thought with the success they have had, it would have been a bit more than that.
Joshd12
Brock University
BA. Sports Management, 2014
BA. Recreation and Leisure Studies
The devils had success during the Rangers dark years
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 7, 2012 5:53 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
the rivalry...
funny how these things go. how heated they are depends on a lot of things. One of the most important seems to be if either one of the rivals have screwed the other recently. not so much between the devils and the rangers. when the flyers dashed the rangers playoff hopes a couple years back on the last game of the season…that became and has remained the most heated rivalry. returning the favor in the winter classic was pretty sweet :). another factor is the battle for superiority. devils having had such a poor season last year and a slow start this year, i haven’t felt much pressure coming from the devils in a while. although i must admit it was good to watch them fail last year…so some part of the rivalry still lives on. similar to how the islanders keep failing….like playing them…but it doesn’t feel as intense or important whenever we play them. this year that has really heated up rivalry between rangers and flyers and rangers and bruins. that being said…devils are heating up. flying up the standings and doing it in a very convincing fashion. we may see the rivalry reborn over the next couple games between these teams. i have to admit that the last lost made me pretty bitter…
Watch hockey, brew beer!"
First Goal:
Stepan…
Also i hope my first goal call on Gaborik against buff counted… cause he was litterally the first guy to score for the Rangers… even though in the shootout…
@clalicata17
This parade is weak
the one in June will be way better
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 7, 2012 1:44 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Power Play Over-Anxious
Need Cally in front for a tip-in on the PP tonight. But I’ll take the wins and hope for a better PP down the stretch. Would like (love) to see Staal get the first goal tonight.
Me bad English? That's un-possible!
Can We Please Try This on the PP?
Our puck carrier crosses the red line and loops the puck high over the D into the zone, where it bounces down. Meanwhile two forwards gain speed and cross the blue line in full flight. One retrieves the puck, the other goes to the low slot.
This idea is meant to catch the PK flat-footed. Even if the PP forwards do not succeed with a retrieval and quick set-up, the PK may have to (eventually) change its tactic of standing up at the blue line. You know, their D-men would back in the zone sooner to beat our fleet forwards to the goal line. Which could then re-enable our unit to carry the puck into the zone — as we have always wanted to do.
the dump in rarely works, most often it’s gathered up by the D and cleared back down. carrying the puck in and attacking quickly is what gets the PK off-kilter and creates the most scoring chances.
Shoot the puck Barry!!!
Indeed, the Dump-In Rarely Works . . .
. . . the way it happens now. Our forwards are waiting at the blue line, without speed, and the low, fast dump-in reaches the end boards way sooner than they can get to it. You’re right, the D will always gather it up. I’m asking for forwards in motion and a slow, arcing puck delivery — so the forwards and puck arrive down low at the same time.
Hmm…I’ll say Gaby first goal, I haven’t been right yet so lets keep the streak alive
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
Yes you have
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
really?
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
I don’t keep results of who or what date, just the users that have points. Your name is in there.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
Great system ya going on there buddy
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
You wanna do it?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
your idea, not mine
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
I don’t really see the need for the extra stats, just get the names down and see who wins
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
i meant you keep track of user names that get it right and have a number next to them, or you just make a giant list of user names who get it right and then will count it at the end of the season?
We’ll start it full force next season…book it
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
are you going to post the current tallies for correct guesses, or just whenever you decide to stop counting?
LGR
First ..I have to go with Mitchell, until he scores first. After that…. Stepan,Richards,AA, Gabby, Cally…..that makes 6-3. LGR! It is going to be a tough game, but I see a win for us.(SIIW,SISBD!)
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary
Scott Gomez, the gift that keeps on giving!
My psychic powers are calling for two more goals. 8-3 anyone?
Sorry , gotta go, the CIA is at the door.
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary
Scott Gomez, the gift that keeps on giving!
by nathansfamous on Feb 7, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
Standings!
gester
nhl21
Kevin Power
jetrangermetfan
Prustyballs94 (2)
VVizard
Clalcata17
arrii
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
prustyballs in the lead!!!
hahah i love that name
when do I get my trophy?
by Prustyballs94 on Feb 7, 2012 5:24 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
First goal:
Stralman.
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Blueshirt Banter
Well, since picking AA has now become popular….
I’ll go with.. Boyle
he’s pissed.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
High scoring game tonight IMO
Ill take hags for the first
by sp0rtsfan86 on Feb 7, 2012 6:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I'm going with
Marc Staal for first goal.
by Guess Who's Back? on Feb 7, 2012 6:17 PM EST reply actions
Try living in Canada
I think ive had 4 games televised this year.. half debating the NHL center ice package for 30 bucks a month just to see the last 30 games
Try living in Canada
No thanks
J/k
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Feb 7, 2012 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
Dont blame ya haha
All we got going for us is lots of hockey coverage (No Rangers thou) and health care haha..
Much rather live in NY
Decriminalized marijuana if I’m not mistaken.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Feb 7, 2012 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
Try living in New York
and you have MSG pulled off your cable provider because they are in a contact bitch fight
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
So have you watched more then 4 games this year??
Ive seen a lot more but they have been bad streams
whats ur email? i know a good stream
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Well Canada does brew Budweiser up here
They says it is different then the beer down there but im not sure
all sent
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Do the first goal declarations for Anisimov count lol?
hahahah it was clearly a goal, accompanied with a bullshit call.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Blueshirt Banter
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Rangers Schedule
Last 5 Games
New Jersey
|
Sun 05/27 | TBA |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Fri 05/25 | OT - L 2 - 3 |
|
New Jersey
|
Wed 05/23 | L 3 - 5 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Mon 05/21 | L 1 - 4 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Sat 05/19 | W 3 - 0 |
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Devils/Kings Stanley Cup Preview: Who has the better coach?
- What We Learned: Stanley Cup Final matchup has nothing to do with underdogs
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Shawinigan wins Memorial Cup in OT
- Cataractes forward Chaput wins Memorial Cup MVP award after putting up 12 points
- Knights' impressive run comes up just short in Memorial Cup final
- Zlobin's overtime goal lifts Cataractes over Knights in Memorial Cup final
- Zlobin's overtime goal lifts Cataractes over Knights in Memorial Cup final
