Bottom Six
Tomas Tatar – Erik Haula – Jesper Boqvist
Miles Wood – Michael McLeod – Yegor Sharangovich
vs.
Alexis Lafreniere – Filip Chytil – Kaapo Kakko
Jimmy Vesey – Barclay Goodrow – Tyler Motte
Injuries have really impacted the Devils bottom six. They are currently without Nathan Bastian and Curtis Lazar, two players who really gel in this lineup. Bastian has been great throughout the season. Lazar was great for the few games where he actually played. He dealt with visa issues, and now he has a long-term injury.
So, the Devils have Tomas Tatar lifting the line with Erik Haula and Jesper Boqvist. Meanwhile, the fourth line is playing well, but it’s not like it’s anything to go home about.
The Rangers Kid Line has famously brought out the best from the three exciting prospects. Filip Chytil just signed a four-year deal, so there will be momentum for that line. Alexis Lafreniere has shown flashes, but fact is, he has 36 points this season despite playing almost every game. Kaapo Kakko has looked much better, but he also has only 36 points.
The Rangers’ bottom line has some skill with Jimmy Vesey (who was at one point a first liner) and Barclay Goodrow. This is good depth for both sides. However, the Kid Line seems to move this toward the Rangers ever so slightly.