The Rangers (18-8-4, 40 pts) start a difficult week of games against Atlantic Division rivals on Tuesday when they cross the river to skate against the New Jersey Devils (18-13-1, 37 pts.) at the Prudential Center. Somewhat surprisingly, tonight's game will mark the first meeting this season between the Rangers and Devils, a series that was won by the Rangers four games-to-two a year ago. The Blueshirts are coming off Saturday's dramatic 3-2 win in Phoenix, where Brad Richards' goal with less than a second to play capped New York's comeback from a 2-1 third period deficit. Marian Gaborik notched a pair of goals in that game, giving him a team-leading 17 on the season (tied for 6th most in the NHL) and an even 300 in his career. However a severe shoulder injury suffered Saturday by Steve Eminger means that the Rangers will be minus three of their top six defensemen tonight---and possibly four should Jeff Woywitka not be able to play due to his sore foot. Rookies Stu Bickel and Tim Erixon both have been recalled from the Connecticut Whale to fill in. Meanwhile the Devils are playing their best hockey of the season, having won four straight and six of seven the past two weeks. They have scored 27 goals in those six victories, and have seen their lineup bolstered even more with the return of injured center Travis Zajac. Share your predictions on tonight's game below.
