Devils Close Gap with Rangers, Now Only 4 Points Behind

Strategic Insights -

The New Jersey Devils have reduced the point gap between themselves and their arch-rivals, the New York Rangers, to just 4 points after a 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars. This significant win, coupled with the Rangers' recent performances, has brought the Devils closer to the top of the Atlantic Division standings. The Devils' win also set a franchise record of nine games without a loss (7-0-2) and brought their total points to 88, 1 more than their previous franchise record.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Devils have closed the point gap with the Rangers to 4 points, the closest they have been to their arch-rivals since Nov. 29.
  • The Devils achieved their 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars with Martin Brodeur earning his third shutout of the season and Tom Chorske, Bruce Driver, Slava Fetisov, and Stephane Richer scoring.
  • The win set a franchise record of nine games without a loss (7-0-2) and brought the Devils' total points to 88, 1 more than their previous franchise record.
  • Devils Coach Jacques Lemaire emphasized the importance of team first and shared that the players have been responding well to this concept, which has been preached by him and his assistant, Larry Robinson.
  • The team's recent undefeated stretch, including a 2-1 victory over Boston, is undoubtedly the best the Devils have played this season.
  • The Devils are now tied with the Rangers in terms of points, despite trailing by 10 points earlier in the season.

Statistics:

  • The Devils have 88 points, 1 more than their previous franchise record.
  • The Devils have set a franchise record of nine games without a loss (7-0-2).
  • The Devils' current point gap with the Rangers is 4 points, the closest they have been to their arch-rivals since Nov. 29.
  • The Devils have 15 games left in the season.
  • Martin Brodeur has earned his third shutout of the season.
  • Tom Chorske scored 16th goal of the season in the opening 25 seconds of the game.
  • Bruce Driver scored his eighth goal of the season, 3 minutes 45 seconds into the second period.

Sources:

  • "Devils Edge Stars for 4-0 Win, Achieve Record." The New York Times, p. B1, (date missing).
  • "Devils' Martin Brodeur Gets Third Shutout." The New York Times, p. B1, (date missing).
  • "Devils Close Gap with Rangers, Now Only 4 Points Behind." The New York Times, p. B1, (date missing).