In this version of Battle of the Hudson Circa 2012, this year it is again for passage to play for the Cup just like 1994 with games 3-7 actually being on the same dates. The teams have met 5 times in the playoffs with the Rangers holding a 4-1 lead with the latest series being in 2007-2008 with the Rangers winning the series 4-1 and celebrating on the Newark devils ice. Because Rangers fans can easily get to the Newark Housing Authorities Arena, it should be like 7 home games for the Rangers.

With the Rangers King Henrik owning future hall of famer Martin fatso Broduer, the Rangers have the edge in between the pipes. The King is having a Vezina and Hart trophy finalist season and is so far Rangers leader for the Conn Smythe if the were to go all they way.  EDGE:RANGERS

The devils have their best chance if they play Kovichuk and Parise on the same line as it would force the Rangers to put Staal and Girardi together while giving the devils their best line possible. If they keep those two players seperate, the Rangers defense will have an easier job. The two teams 2nd lines would be a draw. Third and fourth lines would be an advantage for Rangers. The Rangers need to keep Kovulchuk away from the high slot and keep Parise away from the front of the net where he scores all his goals.                                                   EDGE:Devils

The Devils defense will have to deal with a Rangers offense that will wear them down over the series with the dump and chase. Volchenkov can be beat by speed easily. Larsson just got to play last series so expect Rangers to force him to move the puck quickly. The devils do not have any defenseman like a Karlsson or Green while the Rangers defense has been solid all along being a big part leading them to the Eastern Conference regular season Championship and 1st two rounds of the playoffs.                                                              Edge:RANGERS

Special teams is a draw as the devils haven't faced a penalty kill like the Rangers while the Rangers have faced great powerplay scorers in the first two series.

The GArden and the Newark Housing Authory arena sponsored by Prudential will give the RAngers fans alot of chance to show their support. Everyone be safe in Newark though as reported on NJ.com, there have been assaults in the area after the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in the last 2 weeks and a shooting last night.

LET'S GO RANGERS !!!!!!!       Rangers in 6 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Connecticut Whale have on their website that the RAngers have called up as a sort of Taxi squad goalie Cam Talbot, defenseman Tim Erixon, along with forwards Kris Newbury, Casey Wellman and Chad Kolarik. Along for the experience is J.A. Marchessault who is on an AHL contract. Leading Whale playoff scorer Marek Hrivik, Dylan McIlrath, and J.T. Miller are here but  only played on ATO as to not use a year off of Miller's contract.

Game 1 down with a Rangers 3-0 win. Dan Girardi, Chris Kreider, and Artem Anisimov with goals and The King Henrik Lundqvist with the shutout. Rangers lead series 1-0,next game Wed.@ MSG