The New York Rangers have struggled to find consistency through the first 34 games of the regular season. They’ve been streaky throughout, putting up several good games back-to-back, only to lose three or four games in a row the following week. The result has been an 19-12-3 record to start the season. They’ve played much better of late, however, going 6-2-1 in their last nine games. With Rangers’ RW Mats Zuccarello putting together a near point-per-game pace so far this season (8 goals, 20 assists), including three game-winning-goals, he has quickly become a fan favourite in the Big Apple, and a threat every time he’s on the ice.
The New Jersey Devils (19-9-5) will look to keep Zuccarello off the scoresheet, as they attempt to keep the momentum from their strong start to the season going on home ice. Opening the year with the reputation of a young team looking to build for success in years to come, not much was expected of the 2017-18 Devils. But with emergence of LW Taylor Hall (11 goals, 20 assists), and a solid core of supporting scorers, including first overall pick Nico Hischier (5 goals, 15 assists), the Devils have proven to be more than a team on the rebuild.
NHL Odds: Schneider Faces Lundqvist in Goaltending Battle
When the Devils and Rangers hit the ice on Thursday (7 PM ET on MSG), so too will two of the league’s top netminders. After a slow start to the season, Henrik Lundqvist has returned to his form of old. Through 29 games, he’s posted a 2.59 goals against average, and a .920 save percentage.Corey Schneider has posted an impressive 2.60 goals against average and .920 save percentage in 2017-18. He’s the backbone of the Devils, and as he goes, so do the Devils. It’ll be critical for both ‘tenders to be on their game if they hope to come away with a win against a division rival.
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