The New York Rangers defeating the New Jersey Devils in seven games is my prediction for our last run in the first round of the Eastern Conference.
I receive a barrage of comments from the losing team’s supporters for whichever team I pick to win. It will be fun to watch these two highly dedicated bases compete against each other.
This series may go any way, in my opinion. The Devils are really well built, I respect their offensive depth, and I also think they have the best defensive position this series.
In my opinion, it will be the star power of the Rangers that will help them take over the series in the end. Although Jack Hughes has had an outstanding season, I am more interested in the core of Rangers players, which includes Panarin, Zibanejad, Kane, Tarasenko, Kreider and Troschek. Also, we saw Chytil & Lafreniere, two young players, perform admirably in the Postseason last year.
The Defenseman match to watch will be between Dougie Hamilton and Adam Fox. Each of these elite defenders will be critical feeders in this series and essential to their teams’ success.
Although Vitek Vanecek hasn’t played badly this season, Igor Shesterkin has certainly made him excel on goal. I wonder if Vanecek has the potential to steal a game for New Jersey if they underperform the way Igor has done with New York in the past.
While I think the Rangers will narrowly beat New Jersey in what will undoubtedly be a brutal series, I wouldn’t be surprised if New Jersey pulls off the win and goes on to a great run. If not, they’ll be cup contenders again next year, and just head there.
Final Series Prediction: The Rangers are in 7 games against the Devils.