Big Time Hockey Approaching For Tri-State Area

With April approaching quickly, the Tri-State area is not only glowing with the thought of A-Rod and Johan but of Marty and Henrik. With the NHL regular season coming to an end, Tri-Staters have a lot to be excited about. In the tight Eastern Conference race, the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers are in good shape when analyzing the play-off picture. Unfortunately for Islander fans, the Isles are 11 points back from the eighth and final play-off spot. With two of the three teams looking at a play-off spot, the Tri-State area has a lot of good hockey to look forward to in the following month.

Looking at the Eastern Conference standings from day to day, there is lots of fluctuation at first place. Currently the Devils are sitting in this position with 90 points. With ten games remaining, the Devils are in great shape to snatch up the top seed in the East. The Devils are racing with Atlantic foe Pittsburgh with 89 points along with the two racing for the North title in Montreal with 90 points and Ottawa with 87 points. Not far behind are the Rangers with 85 points. All of the top six (excluding Carolina) have a chance at the top spot in the East.

To win in the playoffs, a team must rely on great goaltending. Fortunately, tri-state hockey fans have two of the best in the game. Arguably the best goaltender ever, Martin Brodeur looks to win his 4^th Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils. The 35-year-old Montreal native has been playing phenomenal hockey this season while winning 40 games for the seventh consecutive season. With a great 2.15 goals against average, Brodeur looks to continue playing night in and night out. One of the worries for the Devils fans is the lack of rest for Brodeur. Brodeur played in 69 of the 72 games so far this season which lets the fans believe he may be too tired for a playoff run. Do not be surprised if Brodeur continues to play every game for the regular season.

Another tri-state goalie looks to anchor the Rangers throughout their playoff run. Henrik Lundqvist will have to play great hockey in order for the Rangers to make a run at the Cup in 2008. One of the hotter teams in the East, the Rangers are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games partly due to Lundqvist’s great goaltending. Another unsung hero for the Rangers has been 27-year-old Sean Avery. Arguably the most under-rated play in the league, Avery has been the heart and soul for the Rangers during this run. Not only is Avery playing for the chance at a Cup, but he is also playing for a big contract next year. Talks with the Rangers have stalled lately but due to the popularity with the players and the fans, Avery will likely be wearing a blue shirt for years to come.

With the end of the regular season approaching, Rangers and Devils fans have something to look forward towards in the approaching month. With solid goaltending, both tri-state teams look make a serious run at the Eastern Conference crown and a chance to bring home the Stanley Cup. If the Devils can maintain their First place position along with the Rangers rising to the 5^th spot in the east, tri-state hockey fans could have a second round match up between their beloved Rangers and Devils. With the end of the regular season approaching, it is a very exciting time for the tri-state hockey fan.