Rangers Battle Devils in Metro Division Showdown

Rangers (19-12-3, 41 pts) vs Devils (19-9-5, 43 pts)

7 pm, Prudential Center

MSG Network; ESPN 1050 AM

The Devils are currently two points ahead of the Rangers in the crowded Metropolitan Division. Like New York, they enter tonight's game on a winning streak (two games) and have earned points in all four games since losing to the Rangers nearly two weeks ago.
Taylor Hall leads the team with 31 points in 31 games, followed by rookie Jesper Bratt's 23 in 33 games.
According to reports, Bratt could miss tonight's game after blocking a shot in the team's win over Anaheim on Monday. He did not practice on Wednesday. Marcus Johansson is expected to return to the lineup after missing time due to injury.
Goaltender Cory Schneider will start opposite Lundqvist

Players to Watch

Lundqvist has had more success against the New Jersey than any other goaltender in NHL history. Since the team moved east from Colorado for the 1982-83 season, no netminder has more wins against the Devils than Lundqvist's 36 victories, which is seven more than former Ranger John Vanbiesbrouck's 29. Lundqvist is 8-2-1 with a 1.98 GAA and a .927 SV% in his last 11 appearances against the Devils, and is 36-16-7 with eight shutouts all time.
Forward Brian Gibbons has been the biggest surprise for what has been one of the biggest surprise teams this season. The 29-year-old leads the Devils with 12 goals in 33 games this season; prior to this season, he had five goals in 66 career games, which included a stop in the Rangers' organization for the 2015-16 season.

Say What?

"Both times we played them, we played against a real good team. Tons of speed, very high skill level and a goaltender that is playing extremely well. They've been up as one of the top two teams in our division, which is probably considered the best in the NHL, and rightfully so. They've been playing some real good hockey" - Alain Vigneault on the Devils

Rangers Projected Lineup

Chris Kreider - Mika Zibanejad - Pavel Buchnevich
Rick Nash - J.T. Miller - Mats Zuccarello
Michael Grabner - Kevin Hayes - Jesper Fast
Paul Carey - David Desharnais - Jimmy Vesey
Ryan McDonagh - Nick Holden
Brady Skjei - Kevin Shattenkirk
Marc Staal- Brendan Smith

Inside the Numbers

The Rangers have earned at least one point in 17 of their last 22 games against the Devils, dating back to Mar. 19, 2013 (14-5-3 record over the span). New York has also earned at least one point in 14 of its last 17 contests against New Jersey, dating back to Dec. 7, 2013 (11-3-3 record).