The Devils’ humiliation of the Rangers brings up some unpleasant memories.

The New Jersey Devils’ recent 5-0 victory over the New York Rangers on December 23, 2024, has rekindled memories of past humiliations for the Rangers, highlighting a storied rivalry marked by intense competition and memorable encounters.

Recent Encounter: December 23, 2024

In this matchup, the Devils dominated the Rangers, with standout performances from players like Jack Hughes, who contributed two goals and an assist. The Devils’ power play was particularly effective, netting three goals, while their defense limited the Rangers to a mere 12 shots on goal. This decisive win mirrored an earlier game in the season where the Devils also routed the Rangers, underscoring a troubling trend for the New York team.

Historical Context: Past Humiliations

This recent defeat evokes memories of previous lopsided losses suffered by the Rangers:

• November 13, 1979: The Rangers endured a 10-5 loss to the New York Islanders, a game infamous not only for the scoreline but also for a promotion that led to fans reveling in free chili, adding to the humiliation.
  New York Post
• December 31, 1992: A crushing 11-6 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres preceded the firing of then-coach Roger Neilson, marking a period of organizational turmoil for the Rangers.
  New York Post

Rivalry Dynamics: Devils vs. Rangers

The Devils-Rangers rivalry has been characterized by fierce competition and significant playoff encounters:

• Playoff History: The teams have faced each other in the playoffs multiple times, with the Rangers leading the series 4-3.
  Champs or Chumps
• Memorable Series: The 1994 Eastern Conference Finals stand out, where the Rangers triumphed in a dramatic seven-game series, eventually leading to their Stanley Cup victory.

Current Implications

The recent losses to the Devils have raised concerns about the Rangers’ current form and organizational direction:

• Performance Issues: The Rangers have lost 13 of their last 17 games, indicating deeper issues that may need addressing.
  New York Post
• Coaching Decisions: Veteran forward Chris Kreider was a healthy scratch in the latest game, a move by head coach Peter Laviolette aimed at prompting better performance from the team.
  New York Post

Conclusion

The Devils’ recent dominance over the Rangers not only impacts the current standings but also stirs memories of past humiliations, adding another chapter to this storied rivalry. For the Rangers, these defeats serve as a reminder of the challenges they face and the resilience required to overcome them.