Rangers Seek Consistency Amid Struggles, Devils Dominate with Balanced Play
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
On Monday night, the New York Rangers will face off against the New Jersey Devils in what promises to be a crucial Metropolitan Division showdown. The Rangers, with a record of 16-15-1 and 33 points, sit in 6th place in the Metro, while the Devils, boasting a 22-11-3 record and 47 points, hold the top spot in the division. This game carries significant weight for both teams, as they battle for positioning in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division.
New York Rangers: Searching for Consistency Amid Struggles
The Rangers are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars, snapping a frustrating three-game losing streak. Despite this win, New York’s overall performance has been inconsistent, with the team winning only three of its last nine games. The Rangers currently rank 19th in the league for goals scored (3.0 per game) and 16th in goals allowed (also 3.0 per game). These numbers reflect their struggles at both ends of the ice, especially defensively, where they have allowed 31.6 shots per game (30th in the NHL).
Offensively, the Rangers have been middle of the pack, averaging 30.2 shots per game (8th overall), but their power play has been relatively ineffective, ranking 17th in the league with a 21.2% conversion rate. However, their penalty kill has been exceptional, ranking 3rd in the league, successfully killing 87.1% of opponent power plays.
Artemi Panarin has been the offensive leader, contributing 15 goals and 37 points, while Adam Fox is the team’s top playmaker with 25 assists. Chris Kreider and Will Cuylle have each contributed 11 goals, with Cuylle also leading the team in plus/minus with a +12 rating. In goal, Igor Shesterkin has posted a 2.95 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage, though his 11-12-1 record shows the team’s inconsistency in front of him.
K’Andre Miller’s absence for this game due to injury further challenges the Rangers’ defense, making their already difficult task even more complicated against a potent New Jersey attack.
New Jersey Devils: A Balanced and Dominant Force
The Devils have been one of the most well-rounded teams in the NHL this season, excelling on both sides of the puck. New Jersey ranks 7th in the league in goals scored, averaging 3.3 goals per game, while also boasting the 3rd-best goals-against average (2.5 per game). Their defensive play has been particularly impressive, allowing just 25.3 shots per game, which ranks 4th in the NHL.
A key to the Devils’ success has been their power play, which is currently ranked 2nd in the league at 29.5%, making them one of the most dangerous teams with the man advantage. Their penalty kill, while solid, ranks 12th at 81.8%, showing that their special teams unit is well above average but not yet elite.
Nico Hischier has been the Devils’ most consistent offensive force, leading the team with 17 goals, while Stefan Noesen is right behind him with 15 goals. Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes have been the primary playmakers, with both players co-leading the team in assists at 29 and leading in points—Bratt with 43 and Hughes with 42. New Jersey has six players with between 12 and 17 goals, highlighting their offensive depth.
In goal, Jacob Markstrom has been exceptional, posting a 2.20 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage with a 17-6-2 record. Markstrom also earned his second shutout of the season in a dominant 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. His stellar play has been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s success this season.
While the Devils will be without Santeri Hatakka and Curtis Lazar for this game, they are otherwise at full strength and have the tools to extend their lead atop the Metropolitan Division.
Conclusion
The Devils enter this game as the stronger team, with an elite defensive structure and one of the most potent offenses in the league. The Rangers, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency and will face an uphill battle against a well-balanced New Jersey squad. While the Rangers have the potential to keep it close, New Jersey’s depth, special teams, and goaltending should ultimately prove too much for New York to handle.
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