Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: Rangers v. New Jersey

Is it just me or is this the most underhyped series ever between two NY area teams? Hell, even Versus seems to be focusing on Pens-Sens instead of this one. Maybe it's because a lot of people don't think this is going to be much of a series based upon how the Rangers were generally dominant against the Devils for most of the season...or maybe the Devils' reputation as the trapping, play not to lose franchise is making people pay less attention to these games until they need a cure for insomnia. Nevertheless, I think this is a series certainly worth watching as it features a couple of teams with veteran leadership, some good Cup experience, and two of the best netminders in the east. Either of these teams, if they get hot, could do some real damage to whoever they play in round two.

Going into this season the Rangers were pinned by a lot of media types as a team to watch. Given who they signed (and what they paid) this was probably a fair assessment. It took a little bit of time but Drury and Gomez eventually fit in pretty well with the Rangers...Drury finished tied with Jagr for the team lead in goals while Gomez led the Rangers in assists. Still, I got the sense throughout the season that this team just wasn't quite meeting its potential in terms of offense. If the Rangers can step it up offensively, look out...they've got firepower exceeded only by the Habs, Pens, and possibly the Sens in the east. The same also holds true for it's blueline play which, to me, is going to be the key for this team to get anywhere in the postseason. The Rangers have a collection of solid, if unremarkable, defencemen which will need to elevate their gameplay to give Henrik Lundqvist a chance to win games for them.

On the other side, one has to wonder what the hell is going to happen to the Devils franchise when Martin Broudeur retires. Here they are yet again, heading into a postseason with an offense that has been struggling of late, ready to try to ride Marty to yet another Stanley Cup. The thing is you really can't blame them. We've all seen series where Brodeur is just unfuckingbelievable and wins the thing essentially by himself. The Devils have been a little bit more prolific offensively this year than they have in the past. Parise, Gionta, and Elias have been pretty consistent contributors and I've also been really impressed by the play of Martin and Oduya on the blueline. The offense wilted late in the season, however, and a big part of whether or not the Devils can do anything in the postseason will depend on how their top two lines and their power play perform. If they can score enough to give Brodeur some support they can push any team in the conference.

I'm taking the Rangers in this series. First, I like the grit that I think the Rangers will bring to the series, exemplified by guys like Avery and Orr. Outside of David Clarkson the Devils don't have any players ever close to either of these guys and, as we all know, Clarkson is no Avery. I think the Rangers outhit the Devils and take the more offensive minded forwards like Gionta and Parise off their game. Second, I look for the Rangers veterans to really elevate their level of play in the postseason. Drury, Jagr, Shanahan...they've been great playoff performers in the past and I think they and the other Ranger forwards click this postseason. This may be where the big salary outlays finally begin to pay off. Finally, I think Lundqvist outplays Brodeur. This is a dangerous call, I realize...Marty's a legend and is one of the best big game goalies in league history. Still, I think between solid blueline play and some good forechecking by the Ranger forwards, Lundqvist is going to have an easier time this series than Brodeur. I also think that Lundqvist may sense that some may feel he's underachieved a bit after such a strong showing last year. This is his chance to step it up and, personally, I think he has it in him.

Naturally the x factor here is Brodeur. I think this is the first time I've picked against him in years out of just the sheer apprehension that the man might singlehandedly win the whole damn series by himself. He's older and not as good as he was pre-lockout but I wouldn't be shocked at all to see him steal a series (or maybe even two) if he gets hot.