Will the Rangers have a tougher time playing the Islanders or Devils this upcoming season? Remy’s opinion: I believe that the Devils will be a far superior team compared to the Islanders this upcoming season. Between the likes of Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, the star talent on the Devils is undeniable. They have a team filled with fast skaters that will burn you with their speed, a weakness for the Rangers. Plus this offseason, the Devils only got better. New Jersey added Jacob Markstrom, filling their glaring goaltender hole while also adding Brett Pesce and Thomas Tatar. Compared to the Islanders, the Devils are just a much more explosive team with higher potential, and to me that’s undeniable. The Devils have the talent to go toe-to-toe with the Rangers, something the Islanders simply don’t have. And don’t forget, it’s only been one year since the Devils defeated the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. They’ve done it once and they have the capability to do it again! THE MAVEN SHOOTS BACK: The chronic problem confronting the Islanders is that – remember Rodney Dangerfield - they get no respect. And they deserve it. Exactly a year ago The Hockey News Yearbook picked the Isles to miss the playoffs behind Carolina, New Jersey, the Rangers and Penguins. Well whaddya know: They beat out eight teams – Buffalo, Ottawa, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, Columbus and Philadelphia. (Not a bad parlay.) Naysayers such as ex-Rangers GM Neil Smith are at it again. – "They didn't do enough!" – except, Pal Neil, they DID. Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG Lou Lamoriello signed Anthony Duclair, a perfect fit for Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat while Kyle MacLean will infuse offensive energy on either the third or fourth line. The defense will be just fine with a healthy Scott Mayfield returning and there'll be plenty of goals coming from Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. With all due respect for the Devils who have undergone major changes, let me just say this: A year ago, THN gave the Garden Staters a big buildup which led to a grand letdown. It could happen again. In the meantime, Remy, take my word for it, the Isles will give the Blueshirts more trouble than New Jersey because Lou Lamoriello has the secret weapon. A full season of Patrick Roy's coaching genius!
