5 New Jersey Devils games we’re looking forward to the most in 2018-19

2. New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils: Jan. 31, 2018

After a long wait and with all of the anticipation building up for a classic New York Rangers-New Jersey Devils matchup, the two rivals will take to the ice at the Rock for the first time in January.

The Devils once dominated the rivalry during the late 1990’s and into the early 2000’s but may have lost an edge in the series after 2006. Yet, New Jersey proved last season that it’s turned over a new leaf and that the Devils are ready again to take ownership of the Hudson River Rivalry.

By this point in the season, both teams will know whether they’re a Stanley Cup Playoff contender, or not.

The Devils were 3-1 against the Broadway Blueshirts last season, and helped the rest of the NHL drown the Rangers in the team’s worst season since 2010.

Fans should also expect the team to potentially wear the Heritage Jersey for this 7:00 P.M. puck drop on a cold Thursday night at the Rock. New Jersey’s first ever home victory came against the Rangers while donning the retro white jersey back on Oct. 8, 1982.

Considering that the Devils lost some key veteran skates due to unrestricted free agency this past season, the Rangers-Devils matchups should be more than exciting all season long and even-matched.

A youth movement across the Hudson will display a new and hungry Rangers squad, and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist will try his best to regain form against his most disliked NHL team in the Devils.

If it counts for anything, Taylor Hall recorded five points against the Rangers last season (two goals, three assists), and the Devils second and final game against New York falls on April Fool’s Day; which is the team’s last home game.