Latest Battle of Hudson looms large tonight

March 30, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Anytime the Rangers and Devils collide to renew an intense bitter rivalry, it’s usually entertaining. Toss in that it’s a must win game for the host Blueshirts with Martin Brodeur back in net looking to further damage the MSG club’s playoff chances and it looms even larger.

Of course, much of the media hype will be about Brodeur and Sean Avery renewing their hostile rivalry on the ice. Figure Versus to have a cam following Avery extra closely tonight. Particularly when he’s around Brodeur’s crease. You know that the NHL will be monitoring this as well.

How Avery handles it will be interesting and could determine if the Rangers get the much needed two points. He’s been good since returning for a Broadway sequel posting nine points in 12 games with the club 7-4-1 currently seventh a point up on the eighth seeded Canadiens and just two ahead of ninth Florida. However, it’s become obvious that the NHL’s most hated player will not get the benefit of the doubt from the stripes. So, he must be extra careful tonight not to do anything that will hurt his team.

In some aspects, it becomes a dilemma for Avery who can’t play passively. Otherwise, he’s not effective. He must play with an edge using his speed and grit to help his club. That will mean getting dirty going to the front of the net where an expected battle awaits with the player who hates him most. There’s sure to be animosity from Brodeur, who opted not to shake Avery’s hand following Screen Gate last Spring. Who could blame him? Avery pushed the envelope inspiring a new league rule.

That Avery got the better of the NHL’s all-time winningest goalie. So, you know the prideful Brodeur would like nothing more than to exact a little revenge in such a crucial game late in the season with much riding on the line. His club hasn’t exactly been lighting it up lately entering winless in four (0-3-1) having dropped their last four on the road. However, their 98 points still lead the Atlantic by six over the Flyers with them fighting for the East’s No.2 seed with the Caps, who lead them by one. The Devils have plenty to play for in the final regular season Hudson battle. A win would get them even closer to wrapping up the division while hurting a team they despise.

The Rangers enter with one win (1-1-1) in their last three including a bitter 5-4 shootout loss to Ilya Kovalchuk and the Thrashers in which they blew a three-goal third period lead. They followed up by falling in tough fashion to Sidney Crosby and the Penguins 4-3 with the Pittsburgh captain netting the winner.

After tonight, the schedule doesn’t get any easier with three of their final five on the road including a pivotal two-game trip with stops at Carolina Thursday and Conference leader Boston Saturday. Just how brutal is it? The Rangers’ last two home games are against Montreal and Philadelphia with a visit to the City of Brotherly Love the final day of the season.

It becomes clear that John Tortorella’s club has their work cut out for them if they’re to qualify for a fourth consecutive postseason. They’ll need to suck it up and play their best hockey to earn it. If not, then they’ll be warming up the golf clubs earlier than expected.

How the host club performs tonight could go a long way to determining their fate. Fitting that the opponent would be the Devils in such an important game.

It shouldn’t be dull.