Devils–Rangers rivalry
| Industry | Sports rivalry |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1982 |
Area served | New York metropolitan area |
The Devils–Rangers rivalry, frequently referred to as the Hudson River rivalry or the Battle of the Hudson River, represents a significant National Hockey League (NHL) competition between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. These "cross-river rivals" are situated in close proximity, with Madison Square Garden in Manhattan located less than from the Devils' arena at the Prudential Center in Newark (previously Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford). This nearness allows for convenient travel by car through the Lincoln Tunnel or via rail services such as the Northeast Corridor and PATH networks.
Both teams are influential participants within the fiercely contested New York City metropolitan sports market, alongside the New York Islanders. The trio of franchises maintains intense rivalries not only among themselves but also with other former Atlantic Division rivals like the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Early history
The rivalry originated in when the Colorado Rockies franchise relocated to New Jersey, becoming the Devils. To secure market rights, they compensated the Rangers, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers with considerable indemnities.[1] Although the Devils achieved playoff success starting in the 1990s, they lost their initial three postseason encounters against the Rangers. Their first playoff clash occurred during the 1992 Stanley Cup playoffs, where the Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers narrowly prevailed over seven games in the Patrick Division semifinals against New Jersey.[2]
Stanley Cup championships of 1994 and 1995
The rivalry reached its peak during their confrontations in the and seasons.
1994: Rangers win Stanley Cup
During the Rangers' championship campaign of 1993–94, both teams ranked among the NHL's top point earners, with New York securing 112 points to win the Presidents' Trophy and New Jersey close behind at 106 points.[3] Prior to entering the Eastern Conference finals, the Rangers held a perfect 6–0 record against New Jersey in regular-season matchups. Although the Devils were closing in on this top record toward season's end, media scrutiny intensified around Rangers coach Mike Keenan, who prioritized playoff achievements rather than regular-season accolades.[4]
The Rangers advanced through their early rounds with relative ease, sweeping the Islanders and dispatching the Washington Capitals in five games. Conversely, the Devils faced more challenging series, requiring seven games to defeat the Buffalo Sabres and six games to overcome the Boston Bruins.
The conference finals commenced with a thrilling 4–3 double-overtime victory for New Jersey; however, New York responded emphatically by winning game two 4–0 and gaining a 2–1 series lead after another double-overtime triumph.[5] Following defeats in games four and five, the Rangers were on the brink of elimination at New Jersey's Meadowlands arena. Before game six, Rangers captain Mark Messier boldly guaranteed a victory, delivering a hat-trick that leveled the series at 3–3 and forced a decisive seventh game.[6]
In game seven, Devils' forward Valeri Zelepukin scored an equalizer with less than eight seconds remaining in regulation,[7] but Stephane Matteau's goal in double overtime ultimately clinched the series for New York. The Rangers then proceeded to capture the 1994 Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Vancouver Canucks in seven games.[8] This outcome marked a departure from previous patterns where victories alternated each game; instead, New York secured game seven on home ice to claim the title.[9]
1995: Devils capture Stanley Cup
After falling to the Rangers in 1994, the Devils made a strong comeback by securing the 1995 Stanley Cup with an unexpected sweep against the Detroit Red Wings. Their path to the championship included defeating longtime adversaries, the Philadelphia Flyers, in the 1995 conference finals—who had previously ousted the Rangers—demonstrating fierce rivalry among recent titleholders. Remarkably, the Devils became the first team in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup without possessing home ice advantage throughout any playoff round.
1997 playoffs
During the 1997 Eastern Conference semifinals, the Rangers, powered by stars such as Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, swept the Devils despite dropping game one. Adam Graves sealed the series victory by scoring in overtime of game five. Throughout the series, New Jersey managed just five goals, including two games where they were shut out.
1998–2006
Beginning in 1998, the Devils established dominance over the Rangers during regular seasons, highlighted by a 23-game unbeaten streak over four years (15 wins and 8 ties). In 2005, New Jersey mounted a late-season surge featuring two separate winning streaks and ultimately clinched the Atlantic Division title after erasing a 22-point deficit. Conversely, the Rangers faltered near season’s end, losing their last five contests and relinquishing first place to New Jersey by a single point. The rivalry continued into the 2006 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, where the Devils executed their first-ever four-game playoff sweep against their cross-river opponents.
2007–2011
The 2008 Eastern Conference quarterfinals saw the Rangers overcome the Devils in a series filled with heated moments and controversy. Former Devil Scott Gomez, who joined New York in 2007, faced relentless jeers from Devils supporters but responded with impactful performances, tallying three assists in game one and scoring twice in game four. Ranger Sean Avery employed an unusual distraction tactic against Devils’ goalie Martin Brodeur, waving his hands and stick to obstruct Brodeur’s vision during a two-man advantage. Though this tactic was within the rules at the time, it led to an NHL revision of unsportsmanlike conduct regulations. Following New York’s series victory, Brodeur notably declined to shake Avery’s hand, underscoring the rivalry’s intensity.
In 2009, tensions briefly subsided as Rangers captain Chris Drury and Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner both earned silver medals with Team USA at the Vancouver Olympics. However, hostilities reignited as Rangers coach John Tortorella and Devils coach Jacques Lemaire led opposing national teams—Tortorella with Team USA and Lemaire coaching gold-medal-winning Canada.
During the 2010 season, New York won four out of six encounters against New Jersey and secured a playoff berth by defeating them 5–2 in their final regular-season match. The Rangers ended with a 44–33–5 record, while New Jersey struggled to a sub-.500 finish at 38–39–5—their first losing season since 1990—and missed postseason play. This era highlighted evolving competitive balances between these franchises.
2012 conference finals: "The Rematch"
The Devils-Rangers rivalry resumed later in the 2011 season than at any point since New Jersey’s relocation in 1982. Early games featured multiple fights and contentious officiating decisions, including a disallowed Rangers goal due to alleged goaltender interference involving Marian Gaborik and Martin Brodeur. On March 19, 2012, at Madison Square Garden, three fights broke out simultaneously before New York secured a 4–2 victory.
Following their respective series wins over Philadelphia and Washington, New Jersey and New York met again in the 2012 Eastern Conference finals—a renewal of their classic 1994 matchup. Aside from games one and two, subsequent contests coincided closely with dates marking the 18th anniversary of their previous encounter, reflecting similar patterns of victories until Adam Henrique scored an overtime winner in game six to send New Jersey to its first Stanley Cup Final since 2003. The Devils ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Kings in six games for the championship.
2012–present
The 2012–13 NHL campaign experienced a delay due to a labor dispute over a new collective bargaining agreement, resulting in a shortened season and the cancellation of significant events. When the season resumed in January 2013, New Jersey secured victory in the initial encounter but subsequently dropped the following three games to the Rangers. The Rangers' win on April 21 eliminated the Devils from playoff contention, despite New Jersey having reached the Finals the previous year.
During the 2013–14 season, the teams faced off in an outdoor match at Yankee Stadium, where the Devils surrendered a 3–1 lead to suffer a 7–3 defeat. That year, New York claimed victory in two out of five meetings; meanwhile, New Jersey missed the playoffs for a second straight season—their longest absence since 1987—while the Rangers advanced to the Stanley Cup Final but were ultimately defeated by Los Angeles.
In the 2014–15 season, the Rangers captured both early-season games against New Jersey, including an overtime comeback on enemy ice and a subsequent home win.
On February 22, 2018, the franchises completed their inaugural trade: Michael Grabner was sent from New York to New Jersey in exchange for Yegor Rykov and a second-round draft selection.
The 2019 NHL Entry Draft lottery saw the Devils obtain the first overall pick, selecting Jack Hughes, while the Rangers followed with the second pick, choosing Kaapo Kakko—ushering in a new era within their rivalry.
The rivalry reignited during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs—their seventh postseason confrontation. This series was notable for being the first playoff meeting without Martin Brodeur on New Jersey’s roster. After starting Vitek Vanecek in games one and two, New Jersey turned to Akira Schmid for game three. Despite an early 2–0 lead by New York in the series, the Devils prevailed in seven games, highlighted by shutouts from Schmid in games five and seven.
2024 brawl
On March 11, 2024, during a 3–1 win for New York, Rangers rookie Matt Rempe provoked multiple confrontations with Devils enforcer Kurtis MacDermid, which Rempe consistently declined. Rempe was later ejected after delivering an elbow to Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, causing a concussion; this marked Rempe’s second illegal hit during the 2023–24 season that resulted in a Devils player being sidelined. He was subsequently suspended for four games.
When these teams clashed again on April 3, tensions flared as anticipated. Rempe and MacDermid, both starting on their respective lines, were observed exchanging words prior to puck drop but were separated by officials. Immediately afterward, all ten skaters engaged in physical altercations. Rempe and MacDermid continued fighting after others had ceased, while head coaches Peter Laviolette and Travis Green exchanged heated remarks. Five players from each side—including Rempe and MacDermid—were ejected. The Rangers ultimately secured a 4–3 victory.
"Instagram hockey"
In their first matchup of the 2024–25 season on December 2 at Madison Square Garden, the Devils defeated the Rangers 5–1. During intermission, former Ranger goaltender and MSG Network analyst Steve Valiquette criticized Devils center Jack Hughes for what he described as "showboating" intended to "embarrass" Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin. Hughes had performed "The Forsberg" move—a deceptive shot fake named after Hall of Famer Peter Forsberg—during a breakaway. Although Shesterkin made the save, Valiquette condemned it as "blatant disrespect" and labeled it "Instagram hockey."
Hughes responded emphatically with two goals and one assist for a three-point performance and dismissed Valiquette’s critique by stating, "I don't even know what that means." Valiquette faced backlash from fans, analysts, and former players alike and was mocked by the Devils organization on social media. The Devils posted video highlights of all five goals scored against the Rangers accompanied by Valiquette’s "Instagram hockey" comment played over each clip.
Reaction
The competition between these teams has grown fiercer in recent years, fueled by their increasing competitiveness. Sports commentators frequently describe them as "mirror teams" because of their numerous parallels. Since the 2004–05 NHL lockout, the clubs have faced each other 43 times (up to March 25, 2010), including postseason matchups.
Following victories, Rangers supporters have been known to set fire to Devils merchandise, whereas Devils fans often throw "Rangers suck" confetti during games and repeatedly chant this phrase at home games held in the Prudential Center. This chant is part of a broader custom where Devils fans respond to opposing fans' chants with their own, ensuring their vocal presence remains strong regardless of the adversary.
The rivalry’s intensity is largely due to the close geographic locations—New York versus New Jersey—making it easy for fans to cross the Hudson River for games. A common target of antagonism from both sides is each team’s goaltender: Rangers fans shout "Marty! Marty! Marty!" at former Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, while Devils supporters retort with "Henrik! Henrik! Henrik!" aimed at former Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
Hostilities are not limited to the fanbase but also involve players and media figures. In his memoir Beyond the Crease, Martin Brodeur expresses, "I hate the Rangers, and Lou hates them to death." Actor and filmmaker Kevin Smith, discussing a playoff series, captured the deep-rooted animosity Devils fans harbor toward the Rangers, despite historic moments such as their initial victory in 1982, highlighting that much of this fervor is driven by rivalry passion rather than straightforward team loyalty.
In popular culture
This rivalry has been humorously portrayed in popular media, notably in the Seinfeld episode "The Face Painter", which features David Puddy, an ardent Devils supporter who paints his face red during a playoff game against the Rangers, much to the chagrin of Jerry, Kramer, and Elaine.
It also made an appearance in the 2003 sitcom Whoopi, starring Whoopi Goldberg, specifically in the episode "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," which included appearances by Devils players Scott Gomez, Jay Pandolfo, and Scott Stevens, alongside Rangers players Anson Carter and Darius Kasparitis.