The Rangers will get a true sense as to where they stand tonight against the Devils. New Jersey has been a far better road team this season, excelling away from the Rock, which is where the two teams meet Dec. 23. New York ended their five game losing streak with a somewhat fortunate win Saturday against Montreal but will need to play a stronger game to emerge victorious.

Lines:
Panarin-Chytil-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Trocheck-Kakko
Kreider-Zibanejad-Smith
Edström-Carrick-Brodzinski

Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Schneider
Jones-Trouba

Shesterkin
Quick

Brett Berard is day-to-day with an upper-body injury he presumably sustained on the corner hit from Kirby Dach in Montreal game. As such, he will not be in the lineup tonight. Reilly Smith and Jonny Brodzinski draw back into lineup with Jimmy Vesey serving as a healthy scratch.

Smith is reunited with his prior linemates, now on the third line. It worked so well earlier in the year, why not true it again (sarcasm dripping). Not sure I understand scratching Vesey when he is on the PK and New Jersey’s fourth line has been a difference maker for them. Plus, Edström-Carrick-Vesey can make up with the Devils’ top two lines when needed.

This from Vince Mercognliano sums up the task nicely and the possible pain points tonight. If the Rangers allow the Devils time and space through the neutral, their speed will create several odd man rushes. Similar if the transitions and handoffs within the D zone are not seamless and players are left open in the slot or back door.

New Jersey ranks in the NHL's top 10 in goals per game, shots per game, expected-goals per 60 minutes and high-danger scoring chances per 60, according to Natural Stat Trick. They also boast the league's top power play, which is converting at 33.7%

On the flip side, the Rangers are spending too much time pinned in their own zone, with the lopsided possession battle exposing their defensive weaknesses and limiting their chances to score.

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