Game four is tonight (7:00pm – MSG, VS) which means once again that most of you living outside the NY metro region will once again have to put up with the Versus broadcast.
If you wondering why the Devils won in Game 3? Well apparently it’s because former Ranger draft pick and current Devils defenseman shaved his scraggly playoff beard. Obvious really…
As for the rest of the world, well they still seem to be infatuated with Sean Avery and his unique (and shortlived) way of working over Martin Brodeur on the power play. For those who didn’t get to see it, Avery spent much of the 5 on 3 power play that he ultimately scored on, waving his stick and yapping at Martin Brodeur.
The Rangers are looking past the incident, or trying to, depending on who you read (or ask). After all, it’s Avery just being Avery right?
Not surprising, Brodeur
was happy with the NHL’s swift action. On the other end of the scale, Larry Brooks writes that the NHL shouldn’t have gotten involved. A more neutral view comes from Newsday. Most of the players themselves seem to be more relaxed in their judgement.
At any rate, they will have to step up their play if they want to avoid a tied series and win game 4. The Rangers defense made several key mistakes in the second period, that turned the game to the Devils’ advantage.
The Devils have their own blueline problems, particularly around the crease. They’re looking to avoid the issues that saw a soft goal to Ryan Callahan in Game 1 and Jaromir Jagr‘s goal in Game 2.
The deflection of Game 3’s OT game winner off of Marc Staal‘s skate aside, the Rangers’ rookies have been positive contributors to the series so far. Nigel Dawes, Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan have combined for 4 goals in the first three games…more than Brendan Shanahan, Scott Gomez, Jaromir Jagr and Chris Drury.
Rounding out the pre-game coverage for Game 4…
Brodeur is hearing the calls for him to step up his game, and is hoping for a better outing tonight.
Zach Parise and his dad both hate the Rangers. Parise senior played for the Islanders, so no surprise there.
CBC Sports writes that this is almost a must win for the Devils, who will be looking to avoid a 1-3 series deficit.
And finally, the Calgary Herald profiles the rivalry between the Devils and Rangers.
The Wolf Pack get their post season under way tonight, hosting the Portland Pirates. The Pack have struggled with the Pirates this season, so expect a tough series.
Matt Zaba became the latest Rangers’ prospect to join the Wolf Pack. Zaba and Idaho were eliminated in four straight games by Alaska in their first round ECHL playoff series. The Pack now have four goalies up with the team, though it seems unlikely we’ll see much of Chris Holt or Zaba.
NYR
CAR
NYI
WSH
NJD
PHI
PIT
CBJ