The New York Rangers face the New Jersey Devils in a renewal of the Hudson River rivalry

After a late five-game win over the Montreal Canadiens, the New York Rangers return to action tonight against the New Jersey Devils. New Jersey is currently in second place in the Metropolitan Division, but has played four more games than the Rangers and is just seven points ahead of the Blueshirts. A win tonight would mean four additional games and a lead of just five points.

New York’s lineup ahead of tonight’s game is expected to see some changes. Brett Berard is injured and will not play a role in today’s game. Jimmy Vesey should be the healthy addition as Matt Rempe returns to the lineup for a franchise that specifically traded for an answer to Rempe. If Rempe can rage against the Devils again and cause chaos, this matchup will be in the Rangers’ favor. New York needs that spark of energy, and Rempe can provide it.

Between the posts, the Rangers will once again put their trust in Igor Shesterkin. He beat the Canadiens quickly, so Igor will be looking for his first win in the quarterfinals. Losses in Calgary, Carolina, at home to St. Louis and in Philadelphia will have left a bitter taste in Shesterkin’s mouth. If he wins the goaltending match tonight, the Rangers have a great chance of defeating the Devils in comfortable fashion.

Planned lineups

New Jersey Devils

Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Stefan Noesen
Ondrej Palat – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt
Paul Cotter – Erik Haula – Dawson Mercer
Mike Hardman – Justin Dowling – Nathan Legare
Brenden Dillon – Dougie Hamilton
Luke Hughes – Brett Pesce
Jonas Siegenthaler – Jonathan Kovacecic
Jacob Markstrom
Jake Allen

New York Rangers

Artemi Panarin – Filip Chytil – Alexis Lafreniere
Will Cuylle – Vincent Trocheck – Kaapo Kakko
Chris Kreider – Mika Zibanejad – Reilly Smith
Adam Edstrom – Sam Carrick – Jonny Brodzinski
Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller – Jacob Trouba
Zac Jones – Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick

Puck drop

The Devils enter Madison Square Garden with a puck drop at 7 p.m. As the Rangers look to hand another loss to their Hudson River rivals, the Devils know a win could put them in pole position for a divisional playoff spot rather than a wild card. It will be a brutal battle to win Madison Square Garden, but we know these two teams will have no trouble throwing shots.