It’s certainly not “weird” that the New Jersey Devils square off against the New York Rangers in the first-round of the NHL Playoffs. The two teams did finish the season only two-points apart in the standings and have near identical home and away records.
They also have a short tradition of ending each other’s seasons.
The Blue Shirts knocked the Devils out of the postseason three times before New Jersey returned the favor in the 2006 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. This year the Devils ruined the Rangers chances of home ice, and now they’re looking to send them — 14 miles away — packing.
New Jersey has made the playoffs 11 straight years and are the only team in the league to win two Stanley Cups since 2000. The Rangers haven’t drank from the Cup since 1994.
Let’s face it: These teams do not like one another. Goalies Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist aren’t exactly best friends. The Rangers’ main fist, Sean Avery, will look to pick up some much-deserved penalty time. Heck, the blood inside Devils fans’ boils when they see a New York license plate in a Prudential Center parking lot.
The Rangers vs. Devils, it has the makings of a great playoff series — and it will be.
Here’s a look at three important faceoffs beginning tonight:
Brodeur vs. Lundqvist: In a Sports Illustrated interview earlier this year, Brodeur called Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist “weird.” The future Hall of Famer wasn’t talking about the Swedes’ haircut, but his style of play. As if Lundqvist needed more motivation to beat the legend.
Brodeur and Lunqvist met in net eight times this year and saying the season series was lopsided is an understatement. The Rangers won seven straight before Sunday’s shutout loss. The Devils need to use that win as motivation heading into tonight’s contest. After all, if it were eight straight losses, you can bet the Devils would be written off even more than they already are.
I like Brodeur. Until Lundqvist can prove to me he can win some big playoff games, no one can argue with that pick.
Elias vs. Jagr?: Devils winger Patrik Elias loves the playoffs. It’s where he’s made a name for himself, while picking up the big bucks.
In 121 playoff games, Elias has scored 35 goals and 104 points. Look for Devils head coach Brent Sutter to get his skates on the ice as much as he can.
Jagr, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, has scored at least 10 points in each of the eight playoff seasons he’s been apart of. The last three seasons, Jagr has played in 82 games, but his numbers have gone down each one of them.
Both are good leaders, but give me Elias.
Scott Gomez vs. Devils Fans: Rangers center Scott Gomez was a star in New Jersey. He won two Stanley Cups and if not for Brodeur, would have been considered the face of the franchise.
Then he left.
He didn’t just go to Carolina, Colorado or Nashville. Gomez fled through the Lincoln Tunnel and to the hated Rangers.
Gomez posted 16 goals, 54 assists and 70 points during the 2007-2008 season, all better than his last in Jersey. You can bet the fans of the red and white will be making him feel blue by the end of the series.
Prediction: I don’t see this series going to seven games. I’m going with the Devils in six.
"The Cheap Seats: Notebook" 