Devils & Rangers Have Opposite Vibes Ahead of First Matchup

The New Jersey Devils are 6-3-0 in their last nine games, while the Rangers have lost five of their last previous contests.

---

Follow us on Twitter: @AlexC_NJD, @NJD_OnTheRush

Follow me on Bluesky

---

It's somewhat wild that the New Jersey Devils' first matchup with the New York Rangers comes two months into the 2024-25 season, but here we are. The Devils are 16-9-2 and have a seven-point lead on the Rangers in the standings, and the vibes around each team are different.

The Devils look like one of the top teams in the Metro, and while the Rangers could still get there, they've been reeling lately. Their team defense is regressing, which might play into the Devils' hands tonight at Madison Square Garden.

Devils Improving Offense Could Take Advantage of Reeling Rangers Defense

The biggest story around the Rangers this season has been their five-on-five defense. I'm not sure saying it's mediocre even does it justice. They're allowing 2.87 expected goals per 60 minutes, the fourth-worst rate in the NHL.

For context's sake, only the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens allow more quality chances per 60 minutes than the Rangers. The numbers don't look much better over their last ten games, too.

The Rangers are allowing 2.77 expected goals per 60 over their last ten games, and the concerning part is their five-on-five offense has dried up; they're generating just 2.35 expected goals per 60.

The Rangers are struggling on defense because their rush defense is practically non-existent. It came to a head during their Western Canada trip when the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers posted 40+ shots on them.

Even in their loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, the Rangers could not defend the rush, and that should be music to the Devils' ears. Though they are dumping in the puck more often than they did a season ago, the Devils are still a top-10 rush team; the MSG crew mentioned it during the Washington Capitals game on Saturday.

Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier are playing at a high level, and their lines have helped the Devils' five-on-five offense find another gear over the last few games. The Devils are averaging 2.91 expected goals per 60 over their last ten games; only the Columbus Blue Jackets are generating more over their previous ten contests.