Faceoff Factor

New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers Series Preview

Michael Farkas | National Hockey League

Apr 9, 12:11 AM | Hype this story!

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Devils (4) vs. Rangers (5) Conference Quarterfinals Preview
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Two of the Eastern Conference’s most defensive-oriented teams square off in a New York metro battle. Both teams were rather quiet at the deadline, so the faces will be familiar as these teams meet for the 9th time (and beyond) in the 2007-08 season. Puck-mover Christian Backman was added to the Blueshirts blueline, along with depth forward Fredrik Sjostrom. The Devils added yet another depth defensemen, this time one of the rugged variety in Bryce Salvador.

The Devils and Rangers are the only two Eastern Conference teams that did not allow 200 goals this season. However, the goals are just as scarce on the other side of center. The Devils’ 206 goals is last among Eastern playoff teams, while the Rangers’ 213 goals is 6th among Eastern teams (one more goal than Boston). The systems are defensive and the goalies are among the league’s best. This may be a throwback to some of the “deadpuck” era series before the lockout.

The Devils already anemic power play will meet the East’s best penalty kill team, which could further limit goals in this series. Despite what the Rangers look like on paper, on the ice they struggle to score goals. They will look to the guys that have led the way in playoff’s past such as Jaromir Jagr and Chris Drury to help spur some much needed offense.

From goalie on out, the two teams effectively cancel. It’s hard to overlook Martin Brodeur in a playoff series, especially against the Rangers. The series is lopsided (7-0-1 Rangers), but the games have been close, half of which have needed overtime (or further) to determine a winner. This series will almost certainly be no different.

Get ready for defense and great goaltending. This series could be reminiscent of the 2003 Minnesota/Anaheim series, only this time it will be Henrik Lundqvist with the big pads, not Jean-Sebastien Giguere. This series is sure to encompass more Scott Gomez related boos than goals.

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Team Numbers
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Standings
New Jersey: 46-29-7; 99 pts; 2nd Atlantic; 4th Eastern; 6th NHL
New York: 42-27-13; 97 pts; 3rd Atlantic; 5th Eastern; 9th NHL

Records
New Jersey: 25-14-2 at home; 21-15-5 on the road; 1-4-3 vs. NYR; 4-5-1 in last 10
New York: 25-13-3 at home; 17-14-10 on the road; 7-0-1 vs. NJ; 5-1-4 in last 10

Special Teams
New Jersey: PP, 15.6% (25th); PK, 82.8% (13th)
New York: PP, 16.5% (22nd); PK, 84.6% (6th)

Scoring
New Jersey: 206 GF (27th); 197 GA (4th)
New York: 213 GF (t-23rd); 199 GA (5th)

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Player Leaders
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Goals
New Jersey: Parise (32); Gionta (22); Elias (20)
New York: Jagr (25); Drury (25); Shanahan (23)

Assists
New Jersey: Elias (35); Parise (33); Gionta (31)
New York: Gomez (54); Jagr (46); Drury (33)

Points
New Jersey: Parise (65); Elias (55); Gionta (53)
New York: Jagr (71); Gomez (70); Drury (58)

Penalty Minutes
New Jersey: Clarkson (183); Asham (84); Brookbank (63)
New York: Orr (159); Avery (154); Hollweg (96)

Wins
New Jersey: Brodeur (44); Weekes (2)
New York: Lundqvist (37); Valiquette (5)
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Injuries
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New Jersey: No major injuries
New York: No major injuries

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Series Schedule
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All times are in EST.

Game 1: April 9 at 7:00 in NJ; TSN
Game 2: April 11 at 7:00 in NJ; TSN
Game 3: April 13 at 7:00 in NYR; TSN, Versus
Game 4: April 16 at 7:00 in NYR; TSN, Versus

Game 5: April 18 at 7:30 in NJ (if needed); TSN
Game 6: April 20 at TBD in NYR (if needed); TSN, Versus
Game 7: April 22 at TBD in NJ (if needed); TSN