Right after the Rangers were eliminated by the Buffalo Sabres last year, they waited for this moment. And when they signed Chris Drury and Scott Gomez back on Jul. 1, it was for the playoffs and their abilities to come up with the big postseason goal.

Tonight, the Blueshirts get their moment when they face the new Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Although the results in the regular season proved to be a mismatch with New York going 7-0-1 in the eight head –to-head games, the playoffs become a different story with the Devils relying upon the veteran tested Marty Brodeur, who seems to raise his game when April rolls around. It’s something Blueshirt forwards Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan, Drury and Gomez need to solve if New York plans on advancing.

While doing that, Henrik Lundqvist must continue his great play against New Jersey and in Game 1, must keep the Devils off the board early in order to keep the Prudential Center crowd out of it.

Let’s look closer at the matchups:

Goaltender

Lundqvist has been his excellent self over the last two months of the season, but so has Brodeur. Even though this could be a tossup, go with the veteran here, although you have to wonder when Brodeur will wear down. Probably not this early, though.

Edge: Devils

Defense

Both defenses are young and do not have a marquee name on the blueline. Yet, both squads play are greater as a whole than their individual parts. The Devils will rely upon Paul Martin and Colin White, while the Rangers will counter with Dan Girardi, Michal Rozsival, and Marc Staal. What gives the Rangers the edge is the ability for the defenseman to put the puck in the net.

Edge: Rangers

Forwards

This could be a huge edge for the Rangers if Jagr comes through as he did in the past week when he was the second star of the week for the NHL. Gomez will test his former club if his rib is healthy and Drury may be the best money player in the NHL.

For the Devils, watch out for Zach Parise, their leading scorer and Patrik Elias can burn the Rangers if given the chance.

Maybe Brendan Shanahan has one more playoff run left.

Edge: Rangers

Coaching

Brent Sutter has done a fine job in his first year, but Tom Renney has been terrific for the Blueshirts for the past three seasons. Renney’s teams are well coached and like to play of the soft spoken leader. Sutter takes the other route and will call out his team if necessary.

Edge: Even

X-Factor

If the Ranger fans go to New Jersey in force then they can control the Prudential Center crown and a 50/50 split is better than the 90/10 breakdown Devils fans will find in the Garden. If the Blueshirts get the lead early, watch the Rock get quiet for New Jersey, making it a Ranger home ice advantage.

Prediction

Unlike two years ago, when the Devils swept the Rangers, this will be a different series. Look for low scoring games with a good defense, but the Rangers will come through if the forwards can score. Smart money says they will.

Rangers in six

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