Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

5 New York Rangers Players New Jersey Devils Must Keep Quiet To Win Series

By Nick Villano

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) ties up with New Jersey Devils defenseman Kevin Bahl (88) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) ties up with New Jersey Devils defenseman Kevin Bahl (88) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier and New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Mika Zibanejad

The Rangers top center is between a pair of stars in Panarin and Vladimir Tarasenko. This line has been an overall disappointment in MSG. Things have not gone well at 5v5, where Zibanejad has allowed 12 high-danger chances and only had seven. He’s near the bottom of the team in terms of HDCF%.

Zibanejad is trying to lift the Rangers offense from the top, but he hasn’t done a good enough job. Like Panarin, if he gets confidence, that will change quickly. It could be as simple as his next goal that could turn this drip into a faucet.

Speaking of goal, his next goal will be his first of the playoffs. Imagine if we told you the Rangers would have 10 goals through two games, four on the power play, and Panarin and Zibanejad would have zero through four games. The top line needs to step up for the Rangers, but the Devils need to stop that from happening.

Next. Devils-Rangers Series Back to Zero. dark

If the Devils allow the top line to get going, this series is over. We cannot stress how the Devils need to win this with defense. Shesterkin isn’t pulling a stinker anytime soon. If the Devils allow the top line to score, the Devils need to match that. It’s asking too much, so the best route forward is to stop them entirely.

Home/Editorials