Hey, everyone! Let’s get into some pregame thoughts, Rivalry Edition. 👊 😈
SUNDAY'S WIN vs. CHI
What a fun win that was to call back at the Rock on Sunday vs. CHI. As I talked about in the clip below from our postgame show, it feels good to finally see the Devils geting the results they deserve from dominant performances like this one, as this is a game they lose earlier in the season. Yes, it sucks that the results are all coming at a point that is likely "too little too late" in terms of making the playoffs this season, but the captain in me will continue to look at strong efforts and results like this one as positives heading into the offseason. Down a goal with five minutes left against an "emotional downer" of an opponent coming off a rivalry game the night before, this is a game where the Devils – or a lot of teams outside the playoff picture – could easily throw in the towel. But that is far from what we saw from this team.
DIALED IN SINCE THE BREAK
Building on some of those comments, it is evident that since the break, the Devils have rediscovered the identity and their brand of hockey that makes them so dangerous. When the execution is there for them to dominate off the rush, teams don't have an answer.
To me, the true indicator that their execution is dialed in right now is seeing the amount of their rush chances and slot chances that are ending up with a shot on net. As we all saw *plenty* examples of before the break (and I mean PLENTY!), you can create all the chances you want, but those chances are worthless if you aren’t executing on them with a shot on net, especially from the slot.
For me, this graphic single-handedly shows you how dialed in the Devils' game is since the Olympic break! 💪
JACK ON FIRE 🔥
Jack is absolutely feeling it right now. After another dominant performance on Sunday vs. CHI, I am expecting the Ranger Reaper to be in full form tonight under the bright lights of MSG. 👀 
BATTLE OF THE HUDSON FINALLY BACK ON MSG!
I can speak for our whole MSG crew when I say that we are so pumped to be back here at the Garden tonight! It’s been way too long since we've had the opportunity to cover a Devils-Rangers game. Geez, January 9, 2025, to be exact… 466 days ago!
Be sure to join Cory, Rachel, and me for tonight’s pregame show as we talk all things Jack! Should be a fun one. LGD.
-Sal
