Monday, April 7, 2008

Rangers/Devils Previews

I'm sure they'll be lots of previews these next few days. I'll try to post as many as possible...

Lew Serviss at Slap Shot writes...

Devils vs. Rangers

Until the last day of the season, when the Devils beat the Rangers in a shootout, the Blueshirts had an effective voodoo spell on New Jersey. The Devils managed just 9 goals in losing seven of eight games against the Rangers. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist had a streak of 17 consecutive starts against the Devils when he gave up two or fewer goals short of a shootout. Sean Avery takes particular delight in annoying Martin Brodeur. Fortunately for New Jersey, it did pretty well against the rest of the league and earned home ice against New York.

From ESPN.com, Scott Burnside says...

First-round breakdown: Devils vs. Rangers

There are a number of similarities between the two clubs, from their geography to their dependence on an exceptional goaltender to their shocking refusal to embrace the idea of scoring more goals than is absolutely necessary to get by...The Rangers built themselves for this, a playoff season of close games and gritty battles. The Devils used to be the masters of this kind of hockey. Now, they look like a team whose time is just about past...Losing home-ice advantage in Game 82 is a bitter pill for the Rangers, but it's still hard to believe the Blueshirts' experience and edge in talent won't see them through to the second round. Rangers in six.

...click on the links for a full preview and to preview the other eight series.

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