Series Talk: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils (Rangers 1-0)
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- Jul 16, 2005
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There's way too many people dismissing the Devils just because they haven't been in the playoffs with this core before. Like they are not going to be capable of bearing down, figuring it out, and running us off the ice like they have so far in the regular season.
This is tangentially related to the concept frequently espoused on this board about how much playoff experience matters, which is, in reality, not all that much. A little, but it gets way overhyped. Example: We had zero playoff experience last year and were maybe a bad Trouba penalty away from being up 3-0 in the conference finals against the Lightning, which would have almost certainly gotten us to the Cup finals.
Talent matters far more, and the Devils have a lot of it.
So do we, of course. It's not to say we have no chance in this series. But this is a bad matchup for us. The only team I'd rather play less in probably the entire league is the Bruins.
Like, people are saying just hit the Devils and slow them down and we win. Oh, is that all? You don't think other teams may have thought of that at some point this season? It's hard to do.
This is tangentially related to the concept frequently espoused on this board about how much playoff experience matters, which is, in reality, not all that much. A little, but it gets way overhyped. Example: We had zero playoff experience last year and were maybe a bad Trouba penalty away from being up 3-0 in the conference finals against the Lightning, which would have almost certainly gotten us to the Cup finals.
Talent matters far more, and the Devils have a lot of it.
So do we, of course. It's not to say we have no chance in this series. But this is a bad matchup for us. The only team I'd rather play less in probably the entire league is the Bruins.
Like, people are saying just hit the Devils and slow them down and we win. Oh, is that all? You don't think other teams may have thought of that at some point this season? It's hard to do.
Synergy27
F-A-C-G-C-E
That’s what I hoping to find out is happening with me. I also still play back to backs regularly with no issue.
Was just joking about the not being allowed to watch the series thing. It’s not going to be good for any of our hearts though.
Filip Chytil
Registered User
- Mar 3, 2014
- 7,277
- 8,924
In the hockey arena, fierce battles are fought,
Where teams clash with passion, each game hard-fought,
And in this playoff series, the Rangers and Devils meet,
To determine which team will emerge in victory sweet.
But amidst the sweat and the roar of the crowd,
Two players stand out, both mighty and proud,
Mika Zibanejad, the tofu sith lord,
And Adam Fox, the wizard, his moves adored.
With his tofu power and his quick speed,
Zibanejad moves the puck with amazing ease,
Dodging defenders with a flick of his wrist,
And sending the puck into the net, oh what bliss!
And Fox, with his magic, his stick a wand,
Weaves through the defense, like a wizard beyond,
His passes and shots, so precise and true,
Leave the Devils wondering what they can do.
Together they fight, with grit and with might,
Through seven hard games, each one a fight,
And the Rangers, led by their tofu sith lord,
And their wizard of a player, never bored,
Take the series, with a roar of the crowd,
Their victory ringing clear and loud,
And Zibanejad and Fox, the heroes of the game,
Take the Rangers forward, to eternal fame.
So let us cheer, for these two mighty men,
Who lead their team, to victory again and again,
Their skills and their spirit, forever enshrined,
In the hearts of the fans, and in our hockey mind.
Where teams clash with passion, each game hard-fought,
And in this playoff series, the Rangers and Devils meet,
To determine which team will emerge in victory sweet.
But amidst the sweat and the roar of the crowd,
Two players stand out, both mighty and proud,
Mika Zibanejad, the tofu sith lord,
And Adam Fox, the wizard, his moves adored.
With his tofu power and his quick speed,
Zibanejad moves the puck with amazing ease,
Dodging defenders with a flick of his wrist,
And sending the puck into the net, oh what bliss!
And Fox, with his magic, his stick a wand,
Weaves through the defense, like a wizard beyond,
His passes and shots, so precise and true,
Leave the Devils wondering what they can do.
Together they fight, with grit and with might,
Through seven hard games, each one a fight,
And the Rangers, led by their tofu sith lord,
And their wizard of a player, never bored,
Take the series, with a roar of the crowd,
Their victory ringing clear and loud,
And Zibanejad and Fox, the heroes of the game,
Take the Rangers forward, to eternal fame.
So let us cheer, for these two mighty men,
Who lead their team, to victory again and again,
Their skills and their spirit, forever enshrined,
In the hearts of the fans, and in our hockey mind.
haohmaru
boomshakalaka
Whole lot of fear in here over a team that's proven absolutely nothing.
We only lose this series if we do stupid things - ie... lazy backhand clears off the boards, East-West high risk passes, poor decisions under pressure, etc...
We play the right way and we win in 6. I think this team knows that.
We only lose this series if we do stupid things - ie... lazy backhand clears off the boards, East-West high risk passes, poor decisions under pressure, etc...
We play the right way and we win in 6. I think this team knows that.
Gardner McKay
RIP, Jimmy.
Would love to chat with you if you have time. I was hospitalized last week for a heart issue. Also in fairly good shape. PM me if you want.I’m currently seeing a cardiologist for a potential heart issue. I’m 42 years old, so, old, but not old enough for that. I’m also in pretty good shape so this is all very strange to me.
Having an echocardiogram tomorrow. I am hoping to walk away from that test with the doctors clearance to watch this series.
Also, my phone battery is at 93% FWIW.
Oscar Lindberg
Registered User
Voted Rangers in 6 but could easily swing the other way. The Devils being “soft” is overrated, they have speed and can make our inept puck moving D corp pay
Will be waiting to see if guys like Kane and Kreider turn it on for the playoffs. Especially Kane.
Will be waiting to see if guys like Kane and Kreider turn it on for the playoffs. Especially Kane.
East Coast Bias
Registered User
Knicks home next Friday and Sunday. Rangers Game 3 is going to be Saturday the 22nd
But there’s a Billy Joel concert that night so game 3 will be a matinee
But there’s a Billy Joel concert that night so game 3 will be a matinee
Boris Zubov
No relation to Sergei, Joe
I was totally being sarcastic. Both my parents are gone as well.
I’m currently seeing a cardiologist for a potential heart issue. I’m 42 years old, so, old, but not old enough for that. I’m also in pretty good shape so this is all very strange to me.
Having an echocardiogram tomorrow. I am hoping to walk away from that test with the doctors clearance to watch this series.
Also, my phone battery is at 93% FWIW.
Take care of yourselves fellas. Life is way bigger than meaningless NHL games.
Boris Zubov
No relation to Sergei, Joe
The Rangers have priority over the concert. Says on the MSG website that the show can be rescheduled due to playoff games.
mandiblesofdoom
Registered User
- May 24, 2012
- 2,667
- 1,954
If they can do that consistently, yeah.
But if it's continual forcing cross-ice passes through traffic in transition & Panarin giveaways, we're in trouble.
mandiblesofdoom
Registered User
- May 24, 2012
- 2,667
- 1,954
leetch99
Leetch66 Joined 2007
As Kreider goes.....so will go the Rangers . If he wants to skate hard and hit often we will neutralize a lot of their speed . If he wants to play like he is a goal scorer now.....we are dead in the water . Somebody needs to lead the hitting charge within the forwards . Kreider is the guy that can do a lot of damage with his size and speed .
If the Rangers win this series, it would be a serious upset. I like cheering for the underdog so I am not mad about it. Rangers can't play their typical game and expect to win; Devils can be EXACTLY who they were in the regular season with no change and offensively steam roll our slow players. I don't really buy into the playoffs are a completely different game, especially in the first round. The Devils system isn't going to suddenly suck because Trouba and Vesey throw bodychecks.
Rangers are going to need to be better to win, Devils don't. That is what scares me. There won't be a safe lead at any point. Butt Clench City.
I would not say the same against any other team in the East aside from Boston. Just a bad match up.
Rangers are going to need to be better to win, Devils don't. That is what scares me. There won't be a safe lead at any point. Butt Clench City.
I would not say the same against any other team in the East aside from Boston. Just a bad match up.
- Sep 20, 2007
- 8,380
- 13,378
My counter argument to the experience doesn't matter narrative, pointing to our start in the series against Tampa, is that playoff experience was exactly what allowed Tampa to get a strangle hold on that series and not let go until they had won it. With experience, I think the Rangers are in the cup finals last year after going up 2-0.
I certainly think the devils are capable of beating the Rangers, but will they be able to put together the type of consistent grinding effort that it takes to snuff us out? I think that remains to be seen.
Paulie Walnutz
HFNYR JUST AS SOFT AS NYR
- Oct 1, 2008
- 11,131
- 9,406
Uh yes Hughes is fragile. He’s been hurt a few times now by routine hits. And I guess you forgot Hamilton getting exposed against Washington a few years ago when he kept getting afraid to play pucks because he didn’t want to get hit to make a play. It eventually led to a goal against so maybe your memory is 0 for 2
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Jackson Ranger
Registered User
- Feb 27, 2002
- 2,866
- 232
The speed and youth of the Devils vs the experienced and balanced NYR. One of my concerns is holding a lead in the final minutes of a game. Besides the 4th line, I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling with the other 3 lines protecting a lead and making the right defensive plays. This and as the saying goes, speed kills, makes me think the Devils in 6. I hope I'm wrong and we see Kane and Tarasenko go off offensively and the Rangers bottle up the Devils defensively...we'll see...
I think we are better than we were last playoffs. Have the experience now , have added players like Kane and Tarasenko.
We also have a very effective 4th line which can easily pass for a 3rd line. I think depth is what gets it done in the playoffs. Having an elite top player like Panarin certainly helps but it’s about the ability to able to roll 4 lines.
We also have a very effective 4th line which can easily pass for a 3rd line. I think depth is what gets it done in the playoffs. Having an elite top player like Panarin certainly helps but it’s about the ability to able to roll 4 lines.
Rangers2319
Registered User
I think the 4th line is the worst at protecting a lead...
The other 3 lines have enough offensive weight to bury a team in their own defensive zone.
The 4th is great at forechecking but can't pin a team and can easily get stuck in our defensive zone.
Larrybiv
We're CLEAN, we PROMISE!
The negativity indeed is crazy. What's to worry ? Here's why, my 2 cents.
Which team has more PO experience? NYR's.
Which team has 7 game home ice advantage? NYR's.
Which team has better goaltending? NYR's.
Which team has more talent 1 through 20? NYR's.
Which team can CRUSH the other, throughout the line-up? NYR's.
Which team has a crusty Bread? (Panarin on a mission) NYR's.
Which team can be clutch when push comes to shove? NYR's.
They have the speed, but we have the physical. The aspect of PO hockey that usually wins over speed. They KNOW what's on the line.
Kane and Tarasenko didn't come her to LOSE in the 1st round. Bet on it!
HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
Hard to make a prediction.
This could go a number of ways. Likely will be tight games. I could actually see a sweep go either way with some puck luck and calls going one way. Could easily see this go the distance with multiple OT games as well. Likely some comebacks thrown in.
I think for the Rangers the key is goaltending and defense. When I say defense it's the entire team. It's being physical and not allowing the Devils room to operate. Limit the odd man rushes. Manage the f***ing puck. Finish checks. There will be some bombs thrown by Troubs, Lindgren and Schneider but it will be more about the forwards finishing the Devils on the walls. They don't have to put them through the glass, just ride them out to disrupt their spacing and support. To me that's the biggest thing in the playoffs in general. Make it a completely different sport. The Rangers are bigger and whether or not the Devils can respond to it doesn't matter. It takes them out of their comfort zone. The 4th line for the Rangers need to set the tone and the others follow.
Experience will only be a factor in one way - The Devils have that young first impression of the playoffs and that's dangerous because they are playing loose. That rookie mentality can prove to be a "dumb-luck" difference maker, while the Rangers possibly remaining too tight before it becoming too late to do anything about it. Where the Rangers need to impose their will in this regard is their vets like Tank, Kane, Kreids, Goodrow etc who have been around the block and understand what it takes to win. The Devils have Palat but not too many others. Over a long series the Rangers need that resilient stay-the-course attitude to take over, but they need good starts in games and they need Kane and co. to show some swagger like the Devils dont belong here yet.
I'd be lying if i wasn't scared. The Devils are the one team i didn't want to see. I'm sure many Devils fans are feeling the same way. Whoever wins this series may be spring-boarded into a run. The loser plays golf at the end of April and their fans are devastated. I would say there is more pressure on the Rangers considering last years run and the moves they've made. There is an expectation there. Not to say the Devils don't have any, they've had a fantastic season, but they are kinda playing with house money because they weren't expected to almost win the division. They've had a magical turnaround from a horrible season prior. There will be some pressure at home in front of their fans and that's where the Rangers need to take control. It will be a mixed house and that could be a factor if the Rangers take advantage of it. Could get frustrating if the Rangers get some good road starts and play full games.
Key players:
Obviously they need to shut down Hughes and his line. Good luck. The kid is a legit superstar and there is no denying that. When there is an opportunity to hit him, take it - but to me its more about how Girardi and Staal matched-up against Crosby and Malkin years ago. They managed games so well and just stayed patient and consistent. Get in front of shots and limit the odd man shit
Vanecek & Igor - It may very well come down to this matchup. Igor needs to be much better against the Devils than he has been this season. The numbers arent great. On the other hand the Rangers need to make life difficult for Vanecek since he has no playoff experience. Both of these goalies could frustrate the other team.
Patrick Kane & Tarasenko - They could be the difference up front. Specifically Kane. He needs to find another level of play that is Patrick Kane-like. We need the Devils to be worrying about him like the Rangers are weary of Hughes. If he can get close to that level it adds a completely different dimension to the top 6.
Breadman - I honestly think this dude badly wants to not only raise a Cup but the Conn Smythe as well. I think he took last year's disappointment in his own game to heart and he's been building his game up for this for the last couple of months. If he can play the right way managing the puck (addition by subtracting errors) and do his thing on the scoresheet, he could be a lethal force that you cannot control. I would love to see it and I kinda feel it coming on.
Kid Line - I expect Lafreniere to be very noticeable again. Hes a gamer. If Chytil and this line can do what they did last postseason, which i expect, it may be hard for the Devils to match that. The wildcard here is Kakko. He's been a streaky player but all of a sudden he seems to be limiting his goal droughts. He went 11 games without a goal and since then he hasnt gone more than 3 games without one. He's shooting more. If he remains consistent in this regard it could be a difference maker as well.
4th Line - I mentioned it before. This is the deepest roster the Rangers have had, in like a long time. The 4th line will be an integral part of the success of this team, if they come out as winners this series. They play a brand of hockey that is infectious and may become the catalyst for the 9 above them.
Lindgren & Miller - Lingren is still shaking off some rust. He needs to play a simple game with the puck, because thats where he'll find himself in trouble. Miller the same. Simple plays, get it out of the zone. There is a little concern there with both of them, but i expect them to be up for these games.
This could go a number of ways. Likely will be tight games. I could actually see a sweep go either way with some puck luck and calls going one way. Could easily see this go the distance with multiple OT games as well. Likely some comebacks thrown in.
I think for the Rangers the key is goaltending and defense. When I say defense it's the entire team. It's being physical and not allowing the Devils room to operate. Limit the odd man rushes. Manage the f***ing puck. Finish checks. There will be some bombs thrown by Troubs, Lindgren and Schneider but it will be more about the forwards finishing the Devils on the walls. They don't have to put them through the glass, just ride them out to disrupt their spacing and support. To me that's the biggest thing in the playoffs in general. Make it a completely different sport. The Rangers are bigger and whether or not the Devils can respond to it doesn't matter. It takes them out of their comfort zone. The 4th line for the Rangers need to set the tone and the others follow.
Experience will only be a factor in one way - The Devils have that young first impression of the playoffs and that's dangerous because they are playing loose. That rookie mentality can prove to be a "dumb-luck" difference maker, while the Rangers possibly remaining too tight before it becoming too late to do anything about it. Where the Rangers need to impose their will in this regard is their vets like Tank, Kane, Kreids, Goodrow etc who have been around the block and understand what it takes to win. The Devils have Palat but not too many others. Over a long series the Rangers need that resilient stay-the-course attitude to take over, but they need good starts in games and they need Kane and co. to show some swagger like the Devils dont belong here yet.
I'd be lying if i wasn't scared. The Devils are the one team i didn't want to see. I'm sure many Devils fans are feeling the same way. Whoever wins this series may be spring-boarded into a run. The loser plays golf at the end of April and their fans are devastated. I would say there is more pressure on the Rangers considering last years run and the moves they've made. There is an expectation there. Not to say the Devils don't have any, they've had a fantastic season, but they are kinda playing with house money because they weren't expected to almost win the division. They've had a magical turnaround from a horrible season prior. There will be some pressure at home in front of their fans and that's where the Rangers need to take control. It will be a mixed house and that could be a factor if the Rangers take advantage of it. Could get frustrating if the Rangers get some good road starts and play full games.
Key players:
Obviously they need to shut down Hughes and his line. Good luck. The kid is a legit superstar and there is no denying that. When there is an opportunity to hit him, take it - but to me its more about how Girardi and Staal matched-up against Crosby and Malkin years ago. They managed games so well and just stayed patient and consistent. Get in front of shots and limit the odd man shit
Vanecek & Igor - It may very well come down to this matchup. Igor needs to be much better against the Devils than he has been this season. The numbers arent great. On the other hand the Rangers need to make life difficult for Vanecek since he has no playoff experience. Both of these goalies could frustrate the other team.
Patrick Kane & Tarasenko - They could be the difference up front. Specifically Kane. He needs to find another level of play that is Patrick Kane-like. We need the Devils to be worrying about him like the Rangers are weary of Hughes. If he can get close to that level it adds a completely different dimension to the top 6.
Breadman - I honestly think this dude badly wants to not only raise a Cup but the Conn Smythe as well. I think he took last year's disappointment in his own game to heart and he's been building his game up for this for the last couple of months. If he can play the right way managing the puck (addition by subtracting errors) and do his thing on the scoresheet, he could be a lethal force that you cannot control. I would love to see it and I kinda feel it coming on.
Kid Line - I expect Lafreniere to be very noticeable again. Hes a gamer. If Chytil and this line can do what they did last postseason, which i expect, it may be hard for the Devils to match that. The wildcard here is Kakko. He's been a streaky player but all of a sudden he seems to be limiting his goal droughts. He went 11 games without a goal and since then he hasnt gone more than 3 games without one. He's shooting more. If he remains consistent in this regard it could be a difference maker as well.
4th Line - I mentioned it before. This is the deepest roster the Rangers have had, in like a long time. The 4th line will be an integral part of the success of this team, if they come out as winners this series. They play a brand of hockey that is infectious and may become the catalyst for the 9 above them.
Lindgren & Miller - Lingren is still shaking off some rust. He needs to play a simple game with the puck, because thats where he'll find himself in trouble. Miller the same. Simple plays, get it out of the zone. There is a little concern there with both of them, but i expect them to be up for these games.
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Oh man I just read this. I hope everything is going well and you are recovering well. PM me if you want to chat. My cousin is going through a heart issue as well.
Glen Sathers Cigar
Sather 4 Ever
Knicks game on Sunday is a 1pm game, they could have the Rangers as a night game that day too.
haohmaru
boomshakalaka
There's no way that I'm taking the position that we're "the underdog" here based on the regular season. This isn't a bad matchup for us if we play playoff hockey.
Of course you can slow the Devils down you just have to have the will and discipline to do it.
Roster 1-20 I take the Rangers > Devils everyday and twice on Sunday - particularly in net and on D.
RUNYR
Registered User
- Dec 24, 2020
- 98
- 107
Saturday afternoon start at noon or 1pm possibly? Or NHL could foam at the thought of Rangers/Devils on Sunday night primtetime?
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