Rangers Vs Devils Series Preview

 Rangers Vs Devils Series Preview

Series Line:

Devils -115

Rangers -105

Projected Rangers Lineup:

Kreider-Zibanejad-Kane

Panarin-Trocheck-Tarasenko

Lafreniere-Chytil-Kakko

Vesey-Goodrow-Motte

Lindgren-Fox

Miller-Trouba

Mikkola-Schneider

Shesterkin

Halak

Powerplay Units:

Kreider-Zibanejad-Kane-Panarin-Fox

Lafreniere-Chytil-Tarasenko-Trocheck-Trouba

Penalty Kill Units:

Zibanejad-Kreider

Lindgren-Fox

Goodrow-Vesey

Miller-Trouba

Projected Devils Lineup:

Tatar-Hischier-Mercer

Palat-Hughes-Bratt

Meier-Haula-Boqvist

Wood-Mcleod-Bastian

Seigenthaler-Hamilton

Graves-Marino

Bahl-Severson

Vanecek-Blackwood

Powerplay Units:

Meier-Hischier-Bratt-Hamilton-Hughes

Palat-Haula-Tatar-Severson-Mercer

Penalty Kill Units:

Hischier-Mercer

Graves-Marino

Haula-Bastian

Siegenthaler-Severson

Team Breakdown: Rangers

The New York Rangers followed their Eastern Conference Finals run with a cold streak to start the year, but eventually found their stride to return to the dominant force they were last season. As the season went on it became obvious the three team needs were two right wingers and a third pair defensemen. The Rangers addressed this with a trade for former Stanley Cup winner and sharp shooter Vladimir Tarasenko. Chris Drury stated that this trade would not have happened if now Rangers third pair defensemen Niko Mikkola wasn’t involved. Mikkola spent most of his time with the Rangers paired with year in year out Norris worthy defenseman Adam Fox. Although Mikkola was in over his head playing top pair minutes, he was serviceable in Ryan Lindgren’s absence. Lindgren’s return to the ice allowed Mikkola to cut back on his minutes next to Braden Schneider on the third pair. Mikkola and Schneider provide a stable defensive third pair where both possess the speed and size to match up against teams top lines if stuck on the ice. When the Rangers added Tarasenko it was clear what they were getting, a sniper with tons of playoff experience and a cup to his name. Tarasenko is not great in his own zone but he knows what it takes to win a cup and he is a playoff performer. Tarasenko slots perfectly next to a true playmaker in Artemi Panarin. Panarin and Tarasenko have built in chemistry as the two Russians have experience playing alongside each other in international play. Centering this high powered line with one of the best passers and shooters in the league is Vincent Trocheck, the glue. Trocheck, although the least offensively talented player on this line, is what makes it run. The Rangers replaced Ryan Strome with Vincent Trocheck in the offseason and the point totals were not the reason. Trocheck’s play style fits playoff hockey to a tee. He was Carolina’s second line center in last year's playoff run and was far and away the biggest standout for the Canes in their series defeat to the Rangers. This prompted general manager Chris Drury to give Trocheck a seven year deal. Trocheck is a hard forechecker, back checker and hitter. He is one of the best at faceoffs in the league and a dominant defensive center. The defensive abilities of Panarin and Tarasenko are poor, but Trocheck is the perfect center for a line consisting of these two wingers. He plays similar to how Ryan O’Reilly did for St. Louis when Tarasenko was on his wing for their cup in 2019. Centers tend to drive play on most lines, but the play-driving ability of Tarasenko and Panarin allows Trocheck to focus on the defensive side of the game and allow his wingers to dominate offensively. After the Tarasenko trade, it felt impossible to add Patrick Kane. Kane was adamant on playing playoff hockey in the Garden and forced Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson’s hand to send him to the Rangers. Kane, who is the best American playmaker of all time, is slotted next to the Rangers two leading goal scorers Mika Zibanejad (39) and Chris Kreider (36). This line has everything. It has the dynamic playmaker with the best dekes hockey has seen in Kane, a near 40 goal scoring two way centermen in Zibanejad and a daunting netfrom presence who possesses immense speed and power in Kreider. The chemistry is still developing but if this line clicks in the playoffs it has potentially to be unstoppable. All three players have proven they step up in playoffs and there's no reason to believe they won't when playing together. The Rangers third line, referred to as the Kid Line, consists of Alexis Lafreniere (1st overall), Filip Chytil (21st overall) and Kaapo Kakko (2nd overall). This high energy group of former first round picks came to play in last season's playoffs and continued their success in the regular season this year. Although all three are extremely young, they are also reliable in the defensive zone. This is a key aspect of this line that was missing in last year's playoffs. Offensively, they are a matchup nightmare. There is no team in the NHL who has three lines of high powered offense like the Rangers. This plays a massive role in strategy as opposition coaches are going to have to put out a lackluster defensive forward line against one of these three lines and most likely it will be the Kid Line. The best attribute of this line is their puck possession. All three play with high motors and never stop working, never stop forechecking, regain possession and play with an edge. The combination of these skills and chemistry they have allows them to have long offensive zone possessions and tire out defenses. The perfect example is a Filip Chytil goal scored against Tampa Bay last playoffs which has now been named “The Shift”. Fourth lines play big roles in winning cups and the Rangers fourth line, yet undersized for a fourth line, is one of the best in the league. It is hard to find a fourth line that consists of a two time cup champ who played third line minutes in those cups and a Hobey Baker finalist. The fourth line of Vesey, Goodrow and Motte is a defensive shutdown line. The three also contribute immensely offensively on fourth line standards where they combined for 30 goals this year. Motte brings a high flying, pain in the ass, forechecking and pesty defensive play. He creates many turnovers which lead to prime scoring chances due to his inability to give up on the play. Vesey, now in his second stint with the Rangers, has redefined his game from a goal scorer to a two way stud. Vesey is an analytical darling who is shut down in his own zone and when given the chance can provide amazing secondary scoring. Goodrow, who is centering this line, adds grit and experience. Goodrow is a two time cup champ who has a game seven overtime winner to his name from his days in San Jose. Yet another player who plays a playoff brand of hockey where he focuses on pissing off opponents, blocking shots, finishing his checks and chipping in on offense when given the chance. The first defensive pair consists of Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren. Adam Fox's story is well documented, the boy from Jericho who forced a trade to the Rangers and followed that up with a Norris in his second season. The quarterback of the powerplay and top three defensemen in the league provides offense but his defense is where he is underrated. Fox is an undersized defenseman but learned to use body positioning and his stick to be dominant in his own zone, expect Fox to be a Norris finalist this season. Ryan Lindgren, the heart and soul of the New York Rangers. Although Fox is tremendous, Lindgren allows Fox to be himself. Lindgren is a premiere shutdown defenseman and does what it takes to win at every moment. He puts his body on the line and shuts down teams top scorers night in night out. The Rangers second defensemen pair is good, but shaky at times. K’Andre Miller is an outstanding talent with plenty of offensive upside scoring 39 even strength points this season, but he is top ten in the NHL in defensive zone giveaways. This simply cannot continue come playoffs. He has a large frame and skates amazingly allowing him to recover with ease, but defensive zone giveaways scare me in this time of the year. His partner Jacob Trouba might be the most feared man in the entire league. Trouba adds a physical presence that is unmatched. Trouba’s hitting prowess is phenomenal and I expect him to attack the 175 pound Jack Hughes. When looking at goaltending, there is nobody in the league I would feel better with between the pipes than Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin has the best save percentage of any goaltender in NHL history with at least 150 games played. He is the best goaltender in the NHL and although the Rangers have a high powered offense and great defense, this team goes as far as this Russian drunk driver takes them. (Shesterkin and Buchnevich got caught drunk driving in Brooklyn but the cops recognized them and basically saved their careers by keeping it under wraps)

Team Breakdown: Devils

The Devils have been an unpleasant surprise this season. After picking second overall last July in Montreal, they completed the biggest turnaround in regards to point total from one season to the next, +49. This team goes as far as 2020 first overall pick Jack Hughes takes them. Hughes broke onto the scene this year as one of the best centers in the league racking up 99 points and 43 goals. He has established himself in the regular season as a premiere player, but the question is how does a sub six foot 170 pound 21 year old fare in the playoffs? Hughes plays with speed and finesse just as expected from a point producing undersized center, to his right is a player who is very similar in style to him. This would be Jesper Bratt, the young Swede broke out as well last season tallying 73 points and this year's campaign would see him match that number. On Hughes left is former Lightning Ondrej Palat. Palat is the veteran on this line and now in his 11th season and first with the Devils. Palat was a key piece to the Lightning’s constant deep playoff runs and two Stanley Cups. Palat is a great piece to this line as he brings a more defense minded approach and attacks the areas that the young speedsters Hughes and Bratt shy away from. Although Palat tends to play more of a grinder role, he is very competent offensively tallying 49 points this season. The Devil’s follow up this high flying line with a line centered by Nico Hischier. Hischier, a 24 year old Swiss native was the first overall pick in 2017. He plays the game much differently than Hughes. Hischier is a phenomenal two way center, similar to Zibanejad. The continuous lack of size is noticeable as he is similar to Hughes in weight, but Hischier stands at six foot one. Hischier’s linemates will be split between youth and experience, on his left is the veteran Tomas Tatar and on his right is youngster Dawson Mercer. Mercer truly broke out this season putting up 56 points in only his sophomore season. Mercer plays with speed and often drives towards the net. Tatar, who is now in his 13th NHL season, brings a much needed veteran presence to this line. He is a solid two way player but definitely the weakest link in this top six. Tatar plays alongside these two youngsters to bring experience to the line. The Devils top six is flooded with speed and the two lines work best off the rush, opting for zone entries over the dump and chase style of play. They are the best rush chance team in the eastern conference and want to make this game a track meet when they are on the ice to utilize their speed in hopes of creating odd man rushes or beating the Rangers defensemen with speed instead of physicality. The third line for the Devils is highlighted by deadline acquisition Timo Meier. Meier was the one bright spot on the Sharks before being shipped off to New Jersey and Meier loves to shoot the puck. He led all players in shot attempts and shots on goal. Meier, unlike most Devils top end players, uses his size to power around or through defenders to create scoring chances. He often gets to the net front and is not afraid to drive hard and stay there. He is also extremely reliable in his own zone for a winger. He provides defensive stability on a Devils team that lacks a true shutdown line. Meier tallied 31 goals in just 51 games with San Jose this season, but his numbers with the Devils have been slightly underwhelming racking up only 9 goals in 21 games with the Devils this season. Centering Meier is Erik Haula who has had a journeyman career but always solid offensively as he put up back to back 40 point campaigns this season and last. On the right hand side of Haula is Jesper Boqvist, who has been underwhelming for the Devils after being selected in the second round back in 2017. Boqvist has spent most of his career in a yo-yo between the AHL and NHL but found a home on the Devils third line this season playing 70 games and putting up 21 points. Boqvist is definitely the odd man out offensively of the three but come playoffs the shifty and speedy Boqvist can definitely provide some secondary scoring for the Devils. The Devils fourth line is the first and only line they have that possesses size and a physical presence. Miles Wood brings size and speed that is similar to Chris Kreider but lacks the offensive ability of Kreider. He can chip in offensively but his focus in this series should be setting a tone physically as the Devils have few players who can do so. Centering Wood is Ryan Mcleod. Mcleod was let go by the Oilers after last season and has nicely filled a fourth line center role for the Devils. Mcleod, similar to Wood, can chip in offensively but at six foot two 207 pounds he should be looking to be more of a tone setter for the Devils. On Mcleod’s right is Nathan Bastian. Bastian, another former second round pick has had an extremely underwhelming career for where he was drafted but at six foot four 205 pounds adds a much needed size to this Devils team, which has been a constant in regards to their fourth line. The top pair for the Devils consists of Jonas Seigenthaler and Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton, who was part of a trade involving Adam Fox in the past, signed with the Devils before last season. Hamilton has always been an offensively gifted player in his career and showcased that this season with 74 points. The Devils power play quarterback can be shaky in his own zone. I do not expect Lindy Ruff to send out Hamilton often against the Rangers top lines. His partner Jonas Siegenthaler. Siegenthaler carries the defensive load for this pair providing a calming presence for Hamilton. This allows Hamilton to focus on the offensive side of the game more and allow Siegenthaler to take on much of the defensive workload. The Devils second pair consists of Ryan Graves and John Marino. Marino joined the Devils this season from Pittsburgh and has been a solid two way defensemen. Graves, a former Rangers fourth round pick, provides much of the same for the Devils with a solid two way role and produced 26 points in his second campaign with the Devils. The Devils third pair consists of Kevil Bahl and Damon Severson. Bahl is very unproven and has spent time in the AHL. I don’t see the Devils giving him much ice time throughout this series. Damon Severson however, is an outstanding skater and solid defensively. He also provides great offense for a third pair player putting up over 30 points this season. The seventh defensemen for the Devils might be the most intriguing of the bunch. Luke Hughes is a former top end pick and brother of Jack Hughes. It is unsure how much he will play after only playing two regular season games following his exit from Michiagn but he will most definitely turn into a top tier defensemen in the coming years. In net for the Devils is Vitek Vanecek. Vanecek has always been a serviceable backup in his three seasons in the NHL as he has yet to put up a goals against average above 2.7 and save percentage below .908. Vanecek put up career bests in those categories in his first year as a starter with a 2.45 GAA and .911 SVP. Vanecek has not been terrific this year but has been a solid option between the pipes for the Devils. The issues come in his minimal playoff experience. In just three games in the playoffs, Vanecek has been frankly awful. He has a GAA above 4 and SVP below .890. If Vanecek plays anything like this it will be a short series for the Devils. Goaltending is most definitely the biggest question mark for the Devils in this series.

Special Teams

When looking at the first special teams match up, we will analyze the Rangers power play against the Devils penalty kill. Vanecek has been discussed at length already as he is considered serviceable but also a question mark once playoffs roll around. When diving into the Devils penalty kill, it ranked fourth in the league operating at 82.6 percent. The Devils stellar penalty kill is led by the forward pair of Hischier and Mercer. The two youngsters have been admirable in the regular season but the combined total of five playoff games, all by Hischier in his rookie year now five years ago, provides question marks about how they will handle the Rangers power play. The top penalty killing defensive pair for the Devils boasts Graves and Marino. They have been outstanding on the penalty kill in the regular season and hold enough combined playoff experience where I do not question their ability on the big stage. The Devils second unit consists of Haula, Bastian, Siegenthaler and Severson. This foursome I find to be slightly worse but still a great option on the PK. The Rangers first powerplay unit will most likely take up the vast majority of time spent on the powerplay. Mika Zibanejad has found a home on the left circle with his booming one timer and Chris Kreider has become one of the league's best net front players in the last two seasons. When adding three terrific playmakers in Kane, Panarin and Fox, this will be a tall task for the Devils penalty killers. When looking at the Rangers penalty killers, we see Zibanejad and Kreider together on the top forward group followed by Fox and Lindgren on the backend. This foursome has been tremendous on the kill leading the Rangers to a the leagues 13th best 81.2% on the kill. Following them is a foursome of Goodrow, Vesey, Miller and Trouba. Although the Rangers sit outside the top ten in the league in penalty kill, I trust this group to get it done and having Igor Shesterkin between the pipes does not hurt their chances. The Devils power play group operated at 21.9 percent. The top fivesome of Meier, Hischier, Bratt, Hamilton and Hughes forms a scary group but their production has not been outstanding. I do see a world where this powerplay heats up but I would give the edge to the Rangers penalty kill in this battle.

Keys to Victory: Rangers

As mentioned previously, the Rangers go as far as Igor Shesterkin takes them. He is the best goaltender in the league and although this season was not as good as last he has hit his stride at the right time. Shesterkin looks like himself from last season over the past month and there is no reason to believe he will not be just as good. Now with plenty of NHL experience he will be a brick wall and needs to be for the Rangers to win this series. I expect nothing but elite play from Shesterkin in this series. As harped on previously, the Kid Line will play a vital role in success and much needed secondary scoring. The trio of Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko broke out in the playoffs last season and provided much needed secondary scoring. The Devils are going to want to match up their better defensive lines against the Rangers top six which leaves the Kid Line open to match up against much weaker defensive opponents. This trio needs to attack and dominate puck possession to create chances and goals for the Rangers to win. Physical play is imperative to a series win for the Rangers. Almost all of the Devils top end players are undersized and there is a massive lack in physicality in their team. They want this series to be a track meet and play up and down the ice. The Rangers need to assert themselves early and often targeting Hughes, Bratt and Hischier with heavy hits and finish every check on them. Every opportunity the Rangers get they need to abuse those three. This series will not be a quick one so making sure the Devils youth is licking their wounds heading into the back half of the series will be extremely important. Lastly, the deadline acquisitions of Kane and Tarasenko need to play to what they are capable of. The combined four Stanley Cups for the two of them is nothing to ignore. Both players have stepped up their game in the playoffs, particularly Kane. The Rangers gave up big time assets to acquire these players to go on a deep run. Kane is a gamer and known for what he does in the spring and I believe he can be the deciding factor in a series like this.

Keys to Victory: Devils

Jack Hughes, at just 21, is far and away this team's leader. Although Hischier wears the C this Devils group, the Devils are not a playoff team without Hughes 99 points and game breaking ability. The Rangers are very sound defensively up and down the lineup but I expect Hughes to be on the ice against Mika Zibanejad for the majority of this series. Hughes lack of size is scary when playoffs come around, but he has proven it in this league and in order for the Devils to win he needs to continue his dominance throughout. The Rangers high powered offense will be tough to nullify but if anyone will do it, it is Nico Hischier. Hischier has proven himself as a top tier defensive forward and will get all of the tough matchups. Hischier needs to step up and slow down one of the Rangers top three lines in order to beat the Rangers in a seven game series. Speed is what the Devils have and they have plenty of it. The Devils speed is terrifying and it creates most of their offense. Whenever a Rangers defenseman gets caught in the zone, all three Devils forwards need to be exiting the zone and looking to catch the Rangers in an odd man rush. The Devils play the modern style of hockey where they find dumping and chasing much less efficient than carrying the puck into the zone. If the Devils can be successful in their zone entries, they will find themselves with plenty of possession and possession leads to chances. The Devils bottom six is questionable compared to the Rangers and secondary scoring is key to winning playoff series. The Devils need their third and fourth line to come through and provide crucial goals. The biggest question in this series is will we see this years Vitek Vanecek or will his poor numbers in the playoffs continue into this year. The goaltending matchup clearly favors the Rangers and Vitek Vanecek does not need to be as good as Igor Shesterkin, but he cannot be outclassed in order for the Devils to win.

Prediction: Rangers in 6

As a Rangers fan, I will not be choosing against them but more than slight fandom bias comes into it. Every player on the Rangers roster has true playoff experience and much of it. The Rangers proved last year that they can come from behind in both games and series. The Rangers have head and shoulders the better goaltender. They have better depth and comparable top six and defense units. The combination of a world class goaltender going against an unproven goaltender and the Rangers playoff experience compared to basically zero true playoff experience outside of Tatar and Palat, the Rangers should take this series. It is extremely common that when a core of players makes it to the postseason for the first time, they get knocked out early. Although in this segment I have talked down heavily on the Devils, they are still a team to be feared. If they rope the Rangers into a track meet where speed becomes the name of the game it will be hard to beat a lightning fast Devils side. All in all, I believe the Rangers have the experience, play a better brand of playoff hockey and most importantly have the goaltender to take this series at home in the Garden on April 29th.