Hot vs. cold isn’t the only difference in Tunnel Series IV. Devils-Rangers is Old Time Hockey against My NHL.
The Rangers are the flash squad, the group assembled to take advantage of the offensive emphasis of the post-lockout league. Although the Devils have their own Magic Show whenever it’s put together, they didn’t do anything until they realized their old style worked better than a new one for them, and they started bouncing pucks off the boards to exit their zone.
That red line that no longer matters for offsides will matter plenty in this series; it will be the battle line where plays will be made, or stopped.
The emotion of this rivalry that levels the ice serves to benefit the “lesser” team, and at only one point behind the Atlantic Division champs, that intangible could tilt the series in the Rangers’ favor.
Here’s how the teams stack up:
FORWARDS
Jaromir Jagr is the focus of the series, and how he fares will determine which team triumphs. The Devils will have home ice in four of seven to blanket him with Jay Pandolfo, but Jagr has enough skill and experience to escape him regularly. How often, and with what success, is the first key to the series. Otherwise, the Rangers are severely handicapped by the broken finger of Martin Rucinsky, even if he plays, one of their very best forwards against New Jersey, and the broken foot of Steve Rucchin. The Devils have the grand checking duo of John Madden and Pandolfo, and Scott Gomez has become a true No. 1 center. Brian Gionta’s 48 goals were a godsend, and Patrik Elias is their key wizard.
Edge: EVEN
DEFENSE
The Rangers’ backline is underrated, and Michal Rozsival was one of the big factors in their big season. Otherwise, they can be exploited low, high and in-between. The Devils’ defense isn’t fearsome anymore, but they’ve benefited from the 2006 emphasis on simplicity. Brian Rafalski and Paul Martin will be keys, and both can raise their games for the playoffs. If they don’t, the Devils will be in trouble. Colin White’s groin injury could be a problem.
Edge: DEVILS
GOALTENDING
Injured and inexperienced, Henrik Lundqvist figures as the Rangers’ hope. It was, however, Kevin Weekes who won the final two games for Carolina to dump the Devils in the first round of 2002, after the Devils had beaten Arturs Irbe two straight. Martin Brodeur has adjusted to the harder shots he now faces, managed to deal with his two knee injuries, and led the league with 43 victories. The Rangers will have to overload him to beat him, particularly down low and along the goal line.
Edge: DEVILS
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Rangers actually fared better killing penalties than the Devils, 83.7 percent to 81.9 percent, but the Devils were shorthanded 138 fewer times, a league-low 348. That discipline will be tested against these shifty slicksters. The Rangers scored 83 powerplay goals, the Devils 78. It is here Jagr must flourish for New York to triumph.
Edge: EVEN
COACHING
Strategy has been basic for the Devils, and they’re likely tohave to face a few wrinkles, something that seems to take them time they won’t have. Lou Lamoriello’s authority presence will be less of a factor in the playoffs, when eveyone’s hyper anyway. Tom Renney has done a fabulous job with the Blueshirts, and his modern training could be the preparation that opportunity turns into good luck.
Edge: RANGERS
PREDICTION: Devils in six
