So it’s official.

Crap.

Of all the teams in the Eastern Conference, the Devils draw the Rangers for round one of the playoffs. This afternoon’s game decides home-ice advantage for the series. The Rangers need to win in regulation, the Devils just need to push it to overtime to lock up a potential game seven at the Rock.

Do I really need to say that this afternoon’s tilt in Newark is of the utmost importance? Let’s review. A win today:

- Lessens the sting of going 0-4-3 in the first seven meetings between the two.

- Gives the Devils home ice in the series, and therefore last line change.

- Ends that friggin’ “You can’t beat us” chant, at least for awhile.

Three good reasons to step it up this afternoon if I ever saw ‘em.

So here’s what we need to do. First things first…the game starts at 3 PM. So playing like they are aware of the start time is probably a good thing for the Devils, who seem to enjoy showing up unfashionably late to games these days.

Next up, keep Madden and Pando on Jagr like white on rice. Not Colin White, just the color. Jagr’s getting hot lately, netting power play goals like crazy. An aside to this key to victory, stay out of the penalty box. Seriously. It’s getting old.

And last and definitely not least…watch out for Nigel Dawes and his Shoulder of Doom. Kid’s got our number to the point where I almost wish Lou would give him an offer sheet next year, just to get him away from the competition.

Before you yell at me about a threadbare minor league system, I did say ALMOST wish.

A win this afternoon would be really swell, gang. I’m reminded of a regular-season finale against the Florida Panthers some eight years ago. A win gave the Devils the home-ice advantage against the very same Panthers in the first round of the playoffs, and we all know how that ended.

Kick some ass today, boys. It’d be greatly appreciated.

Stay tuned to 2MA this afternoon for the final regular-season livecap of the year with your host, Mr. Steve Stirling!