New Jersey Devils: 5 Must-See Games In The Second Half Of The Season
By Nick Natale
February 22 vs New York Rangers
Less than a week after the Stadium Series, the Devils will once again welcome the New York Rangers to the Prudential Center. The Devils lost a 5-3 heartbreaker in their first meeting back in November. However, several months have gone by since that meeting, and things have changed. The Rangers, who looked unstoppable early on, are now clinging to their top spot in the Metro. Meanwhile, the Devils will hopefully be playing with desperation and looking for revenge from the first meeting.
Depending on how the first few weeks go back from the All-Star break, this game could be a huge turning point in the season. Last season, the Devils won a massive home game against the Rangers in overtime in January, which propelled them for the rest of the season. There's a chance that a win against our most hated rival could have the same effect.
March 9 vs Carolina Hurricanes
This meeting with the Hurricanes is a big one for a few reasons. This game will mark the first time these two teams play each other at the Prudential Center since last year's playoffs. While not traditional rivals by proximity, the Devils and Hurricanes have grown to hate each other over the years after a couple of hard-fought series.
This game will also be the first one the Devils play after the NHL Trade Deadline. The deadline is March 8, meaning we could see a new face or two in the lineup for the Devils. Last year the Devils added Curtis Lazar at the deadline, so Tom Fitzgerald isn't scared to add. Whether it be a goalie, defenseman, or center, the odds are high that there will be a fresh face in the lineup that night.
The final but smallest reason this is a big game is that it will air on ABC. The game is slated for a 12:30 start and, other than the Stadium Series, will be the Devils only appearance on ABC for the season.