Home-ice advantage can mean something to most teams. However, in the case of the Devils vs Rangers series that has not meant anything. The New York Rangers stormed into Prudential Center and took both games. It was done in convincing fashion winning both games 5-1. Considering the Devils regular season success against the Rangers (3-0-1), it has not translated through the first two games? What went wrong for the Devils? More so, here is what’s going right for the New York Rangers this playoff series.
What’s Going Right For The Rangers The First Two Games
Rangers Defensively
One of the bigger storylines entering the series was the speed of the Devils and the physicality of the Rangers. How would the Rangers neutralize their speed? This was something the Devils used to their advantage all season long. In addition, it burnt the Rangers three out of the four games. But to start these playoffs this has not been the case. One thing going right for the New York Rangers this playoff series is containing the Devils offensive attack.
For the regular season, the Devils were one of the best 5v5 teams. They rank at the top across the board in offence and possession. However, this series has not been the case. Sure the Devils have possessed the puck more in both games (Corsi For of 65.17, and 56.25), but there’s more to it than just that.
The Rangers have smothered the Devils. Gerard Gallant has utilized a plan to neutralize the Devils speed by controlling play in the neutral zone and playing passive. So far it has worked. New Jersey has not been able to sustain any pressure and generate anything of high quality. It looks really good right now for the Rangers and here is how in some categories:
- 0 goals against at 5v5
- 2.27 xGA in Game 1; 1.43 xGA in Game Two
- 11 HD shots against
- 39 blocked shots
Whatever they are doing, it is working and has seen them have success the first two games.
Devils Losing Their Identity
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a different beast. Maybe the Devils took that too literally. For two games in a row now, they have not been themselves. Their losses have not been due to inexperience because there are plenty of players on the roster who have played playoff hockey. However, this is because the Devils have gotten away from their game. New Jersey has gotten away from their speed and transition game, while trying to be physical at every punch. The Devils are not an overly physical team. Trying to make the big hit and penalty trouble has dug them a hole. Superstar centre Jack Hughes has summed up perfectly on what’s going wrong with this club.
“The team has always been up for incredible challenge. They’re going to battle until the end."
🎥 Meier: https://t.co/vA2LPNNdf4
🎥 Marino: https://t.co/qjDRjnUNtt
🎥 Bratt: https://t.co/kR4i14j1Tz
🎥 Hughes: https://t.co/F9yc1tdDGa
🎥 Ruff ⤵️#Sponsored | @Genucel pic.twitter.com/jAKm8A8MP6— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 21, 2023
Hughes went on to say, “Alot of its our game you know we got to focus on ourselves. We’re not playing to our standard and it’s biting us right now”.
Hughes is not wrong. The Devils do not have a single goal at 5v5 this series and the top two lines have been silenced. As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, they will want to get their identity back.
The Rangers Power Play
CHRISTOPHER JAMES KREIDER'S FOURTH OF THE POSTSEASON. pic.twitter.com/AAtbRSZzeF
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 21, 2023
The hockey world knows how lethal the Rangers power play is. For this New York Rangers playoff series, this has become their bread and butter. Through the first two games, the Rangers have gone 4/10 on the PP, which is good for 60% success rate. All four of their goals have come from the high-danger area and all by Chris Kreider. He has had his way in the front of the net, making life hard for Vitek Vanecek. Kreider now leads the franchise in goals in playoff history (38). The Devils must find a way to stay out of the penalty box and make adjustments on the penalty kill. They simply have no answer for this power play unit that has made an impact in these first two games.
There is a lot to look forward to as the series shifts. Game 3 is Saturday Night at 8:00 PM.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
