For one thing, the Devils and New York Rangers are setting up to be the likely First Round playoff matchup. And Thursday's game could set the tone heading into the playoffs.
"That is the reality is that we could face them," Devils head coach Lindy Ruff said. "I think they'll look at it the same as us. They're going to get a good feel for how we're playing. They've had some changes in their lineup, we've had some changes (since the last game against each other). It'll be a fun game to be involved in."
For another, the No. 2 seed and home-ice advantage in that potential playoff series is far from decided. The Devils have a two-point advantage in the standings and can add a little more distance between the two clubs. But the Rangers could also draw even.
"It's a huge game because we're fighting for home-ice for the playoffs," Wood said. "A four-point swing each way."
"Those are big games. You can put yourself ahead for home-ice advantage," said forward Timo Meier, who will get his first taste of the Hudson River Rivalry. "That's obviously big in the playoffs. When you can play at home everybody knows how much you can feed off the energy from your fans and how tough it is for teams to come into a loud building, filled with energy and excited fans."
After Thursday's game, both the Devils and Rangers will each have seven games remaining in the schedule. A regulation win for New Jersey would give it a four-point advantage. Not an impossible climb for New York, but an improbable one.
On the other hand, a regulation victory for the Rangers not only pulls both teams even, but New York would own the tie-breaker due to regulation wins (35-34).
"Both teams are very competitive this year and we're both fighting for the same goal. I expect it to be a high-tempo game," Wood said. "The atmosphere is going to be great."
"It's just an exciting game," said defenseman Damon Severson, who scored an overtime winner against the Rangers this season. "Coming to the rink tomorrow it's going to be a buzz. The fans are going to be buzzing, both sides of the river, the rivalry. It's one of those games, people pay big money to see this stuff, so we want to make sure we have a good showing, a good outing and hopefully get a win here tomorrow."
Thursday will be the fourth and final matchup between the Devils and Rangers. New Jersey has gone 2-0-1 so far in the season series with the aforementioned overtime win, 4-3, on Jan. 7. However, since that time both teams have made some changes.
The Rangers added wingers Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane and Tyler Motte and defenseman Niko Mikkola. Tarasenko has six goals and 15 points in 23 games for New York while Kane added five goals and nine points in 13.
The Devils have added Timo Meier, who recorded his third 30-goal season this year (35). He has four goals and six points in 13 games for New Jersey.
"They picked up some players in trades. We haven't played the since the deadline," Wood said. "It's a fresh team for them. Their top two lines are unbelievable skill-wise. It's up to us to use our speed, slow them down, track hard and I expect it to be a high-paced game. A lot of skill on the ice."
And a lot on the line and what is a likely opening round preview of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"Not trying to look ahead too far," Severson warned. "These guys are good. They've played really well throughout the season. It's a good test for us. It's a good matchup. We have home advantage here with the last game before the playoffs. That's who we're matched against right now."
Added Meier: "I'm looking forward to going out there tomorrow and play a playoff hockey type of game."
