Hello hey, my hockey felines! Here's a prime opportunity to capitalize on tomorrows NHL action! The New Jersey Devils (40-29-7) host the New York Rangers (36-32-7) at the Prudential Center in what promises to be an electrifying Hudson River rivalry matchup. With both teams vying for playoff positioning in the Metropolitan Division, this game is ripe for strategic investment.
The Devils have faced significant challenges this season, notably the loss of star center Hughes, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in early March. With this setback, New Jersey has slowed down after showing such great form in the seasons first half. The only player with continued strong performance is forward Bratt, who solidified himself as leading player in the NHL. The Devils offense has been averaging 3.32 goals per game, while their defense allows 2.71 goals. Despite Hughes absence, the power play has been particularly potent, operating at a 31.25% success rate. Current challenge sit with the goaltending where Jacob Markstrom has been struggling since the Four Nations and back-up Jake Allen has stepped but historically proven not raised to the occasion.
Conversely, the Rangers have encountered their own injury woes. Forward Kaliyev has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an upper-body injury. Additionally, forward Adam Edstrom has been on injured reserve since early February with a lower-body injury. After joining the team from the Canucks with a bang, JT Miler has cooled off significantly and find himself in a draught. Despite these challenges, the Rangers' offense, led by Artemi Panarin, who recently achieved his fifth career 30-goal season, remains formidable. Rookie Perreault signed a ELC this week and is expected to be in the line-up for his NHL debut, which will be a highly interesting watch.
Given the Devils' strong home form and the Rangers' ongoing injury troubles, New Jersey is set to dominate tonight’s showdown. With a lethal power play unit and an offense that continues to produce despite setbacks, the Devils are well-equipped to capitalize on New York's defensive lapses. This fierce Hudson River rivalry often turns into a goal fest, and tonight should be no exception. All signs point to the Devils emerging victorious, making them the smart and confident pick to take the win on home ice.
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