“…Devils fans live to hate the Rangers. Sometimes, it feels like a large cross-section of those folks in the stands at the Rock (and formerly at the Meadowlands) aren’t there so much to love on the Devils as they are to hate on New York: proof of this can be found when the Devils play any team that’s not NYR, and inevitably, at some point in the game, you hear an ornate series of whistles, followed by a mass shout of “RANGERS SUCK!” Even when the boys in blue aren’t anywhere near the building, we’re still seething about their very existence. You’d think we’d hold a special place in our hearts for the Rangers, as they gave us our first ever win back in ’82. Granted, they don’t roll over for us as much as Philly does (except, y’know – in that last game this season), but the Rangers’ve been hoisted up high on the Devils’ pitchfork enough times (the ’06 four-zip playoffs come to mind) to warrant at least a degree of affection.

…

Still, the Devils have nothing to be ashamed about – not even Marty who (that Callahan Sneak aside) played like the living legend he is. The Red and Black kicked off this year’s playoffs with authority, reminding the Rangers why they hate us almost as much as we hate them. All this one-game deficit really means is that we’ve gotta give just a little bit more in Game 2 to make it an even series again. And that’s something the Devils historically know how to do: give a little bit more. We’ve got three Cups to prove it.”

At presstime, Kevin’s New Jersey Devils are down against the Rangers, losing both of the first games in the playoffs. They face each other again today at 7 PM EST. Our beloved Flyers, down a game to the Washington Caps, skate today at 2 PM EST. The NHL playoffs run as a best-of-seven series, so the first team to win 4 games will eliminate the other. More blog highlights from Kevin as they come in.