Another session of Ask The Maven. The question of the week comes from Nick Milmore of New City, New York.
Do you see growth in the Rangers-Devils rivalry in 2024-25? Especially since the Devils made key additions improving the team?
Good question because it has multiple answers. Here are six to chew on and agree or disagree.
1. The rivalry really blazed over the 1993-94 season, culminating in one of the most exciting playoffs in NHL history. After the Rangers won in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final, it was so thrilling a melodrama that even a book was written about it.
2. Fuel was added to the rivalry when the Devils won the 1995 Stanley Cup and the superior book, "Battle Of The Hudson," was specifically devoted to the rivalry, which kept growing as Martin Brodeur emerged as a Ranger-killer.
3. New Jersey's humiliation of the Rangers two springs ago added to the fury that earlier has been fueled by Blueshirts Sean Avery driving Marty nuts in front of the Devils' net.
4. Then, New York goes to the third playoff round this spring while embarrassed NJ doesn't even make the postseason. That moved the pendulum to the Rangers favor. Meanwhile, Igor Shesterkin began looking like a latter-day Brodeur.
5. Now that the Devils have meaningfully beefed up their lineup, they should go head-to-head with the Blueshirts on even terms. The main event will be Markstrom vs. Shesterkin.
6. Bottom Line: The rivalry is sword-sharp, very keen and will intensity in 2024-25. Matt Rempe will see to that! The unanswered Devils question is: Who will temper Rempe?
