There will be no easing into the Christmas holiday break for the Rangers, who will play three games in four nights against three of their most fierce rivals, including a Devils team Tuesday that is among the hottest teams in the league having won six of their previoius seven contests. And to boot the Rangers will face this challenge on the heels of losing another of their regular defensemen, what with the shoulder injury suffered by Steve Eminger on Saturday in Phoenix. "It doesn't matter what time of year we play them, we are playing a team that has been improving the last couple of weeks and playing reall ywell, and their top guys are looking really sharp, so we have to expect a really tough game," explained Henrik Lundqvist. "It's a big week for us, three teams that we face a lot and teams that we also want to beat. It's a good feeling to get on top of them. So I see it as a great challenge facing all three this week." Following Tuesday's clash with the Devils, the Rangers skate at home against the Islanders on Thursday and the Flyers on Friday before the two-day league break for the holidays. "It's good to get back to home base and recognize the teams and players we are used to playing against," added defenseman Ryan McDonagh. "And the Devils have some lethal talent up front. It's an intense rivalry, for sure. Every game kind of picks up a notch, whether at our barn or theirs. First meeting of the season, we are excited for sure." Share your thoughts below on tonight's contest, as well the big week ahead.
