I apologize about taking some time off from the Question and Answer feature before each Devils game this season. We are back for the Devils/Rangers game with Outside the Garden’s Daniel Akeson.

Q) Daniel, the Rangers are in the midst of a four-game road trip, where they are 1-5-1 away from the Garden. What has been their main problem so far?

A) I think it's a combination of a lot of things. Their power play hasn't been going until recently which they were on a major homestand. They are still working out a defensive system, dare I whisper "trap," that you should be used to seeing! Even Jagr is backchecking so while they learn this system, scoring is going to be down. Finally, teams are gunning for the Rangers. That's not meant to sound like such a "homer" but they have a lot of clout and coverage and you can see that teams play at or above their best when facing them.

Q) The Rangers have scored an Eastern Conference-low 34 goals going into Tuesday night’s league games. Simply put, why can’t they score?

A) The powerplay is just starting to come around now as I said before. This will contribute. The division is also a tough one with four quality goaltenders, plus Fleury who can be good. They needed time to jell and the untimely injuries to Martin Straka and Ryan Callahan didn't help either. However, the entire NHL has had a record number of shutouts this early in the season so I think the problem is glorified because of the NY market, where in fact it is a league problem.

Q) Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur (499) is starting against the Rangers on Wednesday and one win away from No. 500 and joining Patrick Roy (551) as the only goaltenders in history with 500 or more victories. Thoughts on Marty’s success?

A) He's the best goaltender of this generation. People try to compare Roy and Brodeur when you really can't. I think Marty took a lot from Roy. Is he the best goalie in NHL history? I am not sure, but he definitely is top 5. My biggest question is how would Brodeur have played on a less defensive-minded team? Of course there will be an effect, but how much? Roy played on some terrible Montreal teams. Marty has always had a successful team, or did he cause the success? It's an interesting debate.

Q) Scott Gomez faces the Devils at the Prudential Center for the first time since signing with the Rangers during the off season. The crowd is definitely preparing several unruly chants and words to describe Gomer. Will he be able to overcome the immense booing, something that he never endured before in his career?

A) I am always a little surprised to hear this. I was reading some Devils' fans comments on message boards and such and the hatred toward Gomez is uncanny. I understand that he left to a rival. However, if the Devils expressed more interest he may have stayed. You can complain so much about the player, but if the home team doesn't make a huge push for a big asset, who's really to blame? From a practical standpoint, he was not going to receive that money in Jersey. No way Lou gives him that contract. Could you turn that much money down? He took care of himself and family in one shot, you can't fault a guy for that.

Q) Even though they cannot score, the Rangers (9-7-1) are rolling while the Devils are still finding themselves under new head coach Brent Sutter (7-8-2). What factors will decide tonight’s game?

A) I think this is all intangibles as usual between the two teams. The Sean Avery factor has been prevalent. Marty going for 500. Gomez back in NJ. There are so many variables. As far as the on-ice stuff, this will be a first period game. Whichever team comes strong out of the gate, will win. If the Rangers can get to the Devils early, NJ won't stand a chance against Lundqvist. If the Devils come out early, the Rangers can't play catch-up with their scoring woes on Marty. It's going to be quite a game.

Q) Final thoughts on the Devils/Rangers rivalry… Outcome?

A) Well I had the privilege of visiting the Prudential Center for the Devils vs. Toronto game, I actually worked it with Stan Fischler, (quite an experience) and it is a gorgeous arena. If the crowd shows up, literally, that place has the potential to be loud and a difficult place to play in. I think this game is destined for overtime or possibly a shootout though I have the feeling the Devils will come out on top for Marty at home. The rivalry is switching possession as far as goaltending, but they are still so close. This should continue to be enjoyable throughout the season.

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