Having watched parts of the first two games in the Penguins and Canadiens series, it looks almost for certain that the winner of the Rangers and Devils series will be meeting one of the top two seeds. All the more reason why this game tonight is an imporant one for New York.

A win tonight would give the Blueshirts a 2-0 lead going back to MSG. The Devils are far tougher to beat than some would imagine, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist (or a brain surgeon, or even a plumber for that matter) to tell you that a long series with the Devils will not help matters going forward.

The Devils came awfully close to winning game one, and the Rangers will have their hands full again tonight to contain Jersey’s quick transition. The number of turnovers has to drop, and the Rangers need to once again make sure that they keep the penalties to a minimum.

A 2-0 lead going back to New York is certainly not an unassailable lead, but it changes the tone for the series. At 1-1 the series would again be anyone’s and would require the Rangers to win both games in New York to maintain the upper hand in the series, whereas 2-0 puts the burden back on New Jersey.

Whatever the result, expect another close, hard fought game tonight and don’t be surprised if Martin Brodeur comes back with a much improved performance.