The conclusion of the NFL season has left us hungry for key matchups, but thanks to the NHL, we will see one tonight as the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils meet for the first time since Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Though the Rangers come into this game hungry for revenge, the Devils have been, to a certain degree, the more successful team in the beginning stages of the season.
The Rangers have been the definition of inconsistent this season. They win one, then lose one. That's been their M.O. in 2013. They are currently 4-4 and in fourth place in the Atlantic Division.
The bad news is that they come into this matchup without their captain Ryan Callahan. He suffered an injury last week against the Philadelphia Flyers late in the game. Callahan had saved that game for the Rangers with what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
They face a Devils team that finds itself in second place in the division with a 4-1-3 record. They have lost a bulk of games in overtime, which could serve the Rangers well if they can push it that far.
The Devils have scored one more goal (20) than the Rangers through their first eight games and they have allowed three less goals (19) on defense. The score of this game will be close. If the Devils can keep this one within regulation, then they have a chance to win this game.
Final Score Prediction:
The Devils are at home, the Rangers will be playing in front of an ignited New Jersey ground at the Prudential Center. The Rangers fold and the Devils win 3-1 pushing the Rangers to one game under .500
