Devils vs. Rangers: What New Jersey Has to Do to Even Series vs. NY Rangers

Down 2-1, the New Jersey Devils need a win to even the series against their cross-river rival, the New York Rangers.

Considering that this is the furthest New Jersey has made it since the 2002-03 season (won Stanley Cup), the Devils are back on the upswing. As for this series, the Devils have been shutout in their two losses, so clearly more offense is needed.

That said, let's take a gander at what New Jersey must do in Game 4 to regain the momentum.

Efficiency

Despite being a defensive team, the Devils have to strum up some sort of offense this series. Sandwiched in between their two shutouts was the 2-1 win in Game 2.

Interestingly enough, New Jersey attempted 21, 27 and 36 shots in each game, respectively. Being able to capitalize more consistently on power-plays and moving the puck smoother in transition is needed.

Defensively it's about helping out goalie Martin Brodeur. New York has attempted 28, 25 and 22 shots in each game, respectively, and they have been impressively efficient. Decreasing that rate by locking down one-on-one and isolating the production of Chris Kreider will help, as he's been consistent this series.

Get Physical

In each of the three games this series, the Rangers have just been more physically dominant. Game 1 was a sound display, as New York outhit the Devils 35-21, which ultimately led to more possessions and scoring opportunities.

Even when they won, the Devils were outhit by New York in Game 2 (39-34), and they got controlled again in Game 3, 24-15. Hockey is already a defensive and physical game as it is, but not being able to win on the glass and providing more chances to score only limits a team's odds of winning.

Just from a stamina perspective this can help as well. Because they're such a defensive team, the Devils do have that potential to force New York into earning every shot or goal. But as we see next, not dominating against the glass only restricts a team's explosiveness.

Giveaways/Takeaways

This aspect is a good relation to getting physical, because the Rangers got six takeaways in Game 1, four in Game 2 and two in Game 3. Their efficiency with the puck improved, despite a gradual decrease in forcing takeaways, because the giveaways also went down each contest as well.

New Jersey, on the other hand, cost itself dearly in Game 1 with eight giveaways, then they had four in Game 2 and five in Game 3. 

One interesting line though is that the Devils have won the face-off total in the last two games by a combined margin of 11 times. Winning at the drop is great, but it's irrelevant if you can't take advantage of extra possessions.

Moving the puck better one-on-one and more effective passing must happen to prevent giveaways.

Provided New Jersey comes out winning the hits early that will limit the Rangers' shot efficiency, so the Devils can control the tempo and play their stingy defense.