More Blood To Be Seen

Prior to game four in the Rangers and Devils series, there hadn't been a whole lot of nastiness. Few scuffles were seen as the teams just played, well, hockey. The Devils continued their "stay out of it" motto from the Flyers series and the Rangers played physical, but didn't go over the edge. Another part of the reason is because all the games had been one or two goal games, with empty netters being scored late to finish them off. However, it was just a matter or time before things erupted once again. Everyone knew it would eventually happen in one of the games and although it may be game five tonight, don't expect it to stop.

In game four, it started early when McDonagh and Henrique threw a few shots at each other before wrestling down to the ice. The game was on the edge for most of the night and became chippy as it continued. Finally, the big one happened when Mike Rupp threw a hit behind the Devils net with a few minutes remaining. He was called for a penalty and when the whistle blew he was chased. As he passed Brodeur, Marty said something to him, and responding, Rupp shoved him into the net. Bernier then tried to come over but for some reason left his feet to run into a bigger and stronger Rupp and he was dropped to the ice. The altercation continued by the benches as both head coaches Tortorella and DeBoer screamed at each other. 

During the regular season, the Rangers and Devils had two games begin with multiple fights, one time two fights off the opening draw and the following game three fights. I expected it to finally boil over in this series when one game became to far out of reach for one team and that's exactly what happened. The Rangers attacked to send a little message but this time the Devils responded. From here on out, I expect nothing to settle down. Why it will continue:

-The Rangers are changing the lineup tonight by inserted two players who were unavailable the previous game. Prust will return to the lineup after serving his one game suspension for elbowing. Also, Dubinsky will come back for the Rangers tonight after being out a few weeks with a knee injury. Both players do not shy away from the phsyical game and are always will combatants for after-whistle scrums or to drop the gloves. These two players will also try and spark the Rangers offense to score some goals while crashing the net hard on Brodeur. 

-Both teams will be using three to four lines on the offensive side of the puck. The third and fourth lines for both teams play gritty, grinding styles of hockey. The will both screen and crash the net when possible. All the lines will both be hitting hard and engaging their teams in the game as much as possible. The top lines for each team, although full of skill, will tussle along the boards and use their bodies on the forecheck. 

-The rivalry is one of the best in the game right now and after such a hard fought battle between each team last game, it's unavoidable. The taste of blood has spread after game four and neither team is going to back down. I expect to see lots of scrums after whistles and players hitting hard. Their will surely be some action near the benches as players change and yap at one another. 

All in all, I'm really looking forward to the rest of this best of three series. I believe someone will win the next two games and end it though. This game tonight is crucial and for both teams, scoring the first goal could mean a win or a loss. Lundqvist will be ready to go after having a few pucks find their way in last game. The Rangers will show heart while the Devils try to continue the wave they have been on. Enjoy the game!