Zeroing in on The Rock: Rangers-Devils tonight
Away we go….
Climbing into the SUV for a drive through the flurries to Newark and the Rangers morning skate.
Last visit to The Rock was the Game 6 OT elimination at the hands of Adam Henrique, which Henrik Lundqvist said yesterday had left him hurting short-term, but that had passed, and was only concentrating on the next chapter in a special rivalry. The Devils are without Zach Parise, but as Lundqvist said, no matter the roster, they play the Blueshirts (4-4) tough.
Lundqvist will face Martin Brodeur for the 35th time in regular season games. He is 23-6-5 with a 1.73 GAA, .935 save percentage and five shutouts. He is rested, having stepped aside for Martin Biron in Tampa.
After a 3-0 start, the Devs are 1-1-3 and since 2007-08, the Rangers are 9-4-3 at Pru Center.
Five quick keys:
How will the new additions ---Darroll Powe, J.T. Miller, Brandon Mashinter---perform?
Rangers are 3-0 so far when they outshoot opponents and 2-4 when allowing the first goal.
Special teams: NYR are 1-9 on the road on the PP, tied for 24th. And 19th on the PK, need to stay out of the box.
Did Rick Nash’s go-ahead goal in Tampa open the gates for him? He is 2-5-7 in the last eight, but the team needs consistent scoring from the top line.
Secondary scoring: Can Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin and Taylor Pyatt follow up on their five-point night against the Lightning?
Jump back here later for more reports all day and night and remember to follow me for breaking news and commentary on Twitter @stevezipay
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