The New Jersey Devils versus the New York Rangers rivalry could often be called the best rivalry the NHL has to offer.
This is because it has everything a great rivalry needs. From history, good geography, rosters built to clash and playoff drama, it really does have it all. Let's also remember that these two iconic league franchises are also only separated by less than 15 miles of the Hudson River.
Here's how this particular rivalry is also surrounded by history.
NJ Devils vs NY Rangers history
For starters, the Rangers have that "Original Six" prestige paired with the New York City flash. The Devils can be considered the "younger sibling" who have worked hard to build the reputation they have in the midst of spoiling the Rangers' fun on many occasions.
As previously written for Blue Line Station, New York leads the all-time series against New Jersey. The Rangers have 156 wins compared to the Devils 127 (53.6%). The two teams have also squared off seven times in playoff series; the Rangers also lead in the postseason 4-3.
Though it's worth mentioning the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals saw the Devils eliminate the Rangers from the rest of postseason play, but it was great for the Hudson River Rivalry.
Not only did it revive a classic playoff matchup, but it was great hockey (only one fight was seen on the ice in the high stakes, six game series) and the players showed the fans that the rivalry means a lot to them, too.
They also did the same back in the first round of the playoffs in 2023, and New Jersey edged New York in seven games. This means the last two times the Devils and Rangers have faced off in the postseason, the Devils have moved on and the Rangers have gone home.
In their last 10 games against the Devils, the Rangers have a record of 6-4-0. However, the most recent matchup in the Battle of the Hudson was a complete disaster for New York — the Rangers lost 4-0 in shutout fashion.
Next year will see a shift in the rivalry due to the Rangers going through their first year under new head coach Mike Sullivan. Hopefully for Tom Fitzgerald and Sheldon Keefe, this change for the Blueshirts won't result in a change in the way the Battle of the Hudson River is playing out recently.
There is true vitriol in this rivalry, as we've seen by full line brawls happening on at least two different occasions. The last time came as a result of Matt Rempe's hit that injured Jonas Siegenthaler, which only adds to an already great rivalry.
This season, the Devils and Rangers aren't scheduled to play their first game against each other until March, but both are expected to be deep into their playoff pushes at this point. In fact, those six crucial points could decide the final playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.