With all eyes on the playoffs, the only unknown is the Rangers 1st round opponent. For most of the 2023 calendar year, it’s been the Devils. However the Devils can still win the division, and the Rangers are still a virtual lock for the #3 seed in the Metro. It’s either the Devils or the Canes, and quite honestly, does it really matter?
Both Carolina and New Jersey are very good teams with very big holes. Carolina is a puck possession monster that lacks a true finisher and game breaker. The Devils have more finishing skill, but have a huge issue in net and in how they generate offense.