Game #76: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Open Thread

The final installment in the 2024-25 edition of the Hudson River Rivalry is upon us.

It's a Saturday matinee at the Prudential Center in downtown Newark as the Rangers and Devils clash in a pivotal matchup for both teams. The Blueshirts enter play on Saturday two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With only seven games and 14 standings points left to be had, Peter Laviolette's squad can ill afford to fall further behind in the playoff race.

As for the Devils, the team is all but locked in to the third seed in the Metropolitan Division and a first round matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes. Jack Hughes is done for the season and will not be on the ice to score against the Rangers as he seemingly always does. New York could still mathematically catch New Jersey in the standings, but the Blueshirts focus is squarely on the more easily attainable second wild card spot currently occupied by Montreal.

Player to Watch: J.T. Miller

The first three Rangers-Devils matchups of this season occurred prior to Miller's return to Broadway at the end of January. Miller's intensity in a critical rivalry matchup is a factor that can hopefully elevate his teammates, so keep an on Miller this afternoon.

Enjoy the game!