First Period:
- Erik Haula (10) Assists: Dougie Hamilton (50), Jonas Siegenthaler (17)
- Timo Meier (36) (Power Play) Assists: Jack Hughes (47), Nico Hischier (41)
Second Period:
- Chris Kreider (33) (Power Play) Assists: Mika Zibanejad (44)
Third Period:
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Stats:
- The Devils were the better team and deserved to beat the Rangers tonight and go up four points. The Rangers let the Devils dictate the third period and while they were better in the second, the Devils neutralized the Rangers until they had their push at the end. The Rangers had a couple of big chances to tie it in the third, but it wasn’t enough and it’s disappointing because this was a big game for home ice advantage.
- Offensively the Rangers left a lot to be desired tonight. They didn’t have the puck enough in the first and had the puck more as the game went on, but they couldn’t generate more than a handful of quality chances. The only goal they scored came off of two missed clearing attempts and a bounce on the PP.
- The Devils are fast and that is going to be an issue for the Rangers, but as the game went on they were able to slow the Devils a bit. They are a tough match up for the Rangers and they have shown that throughout all four meetings, but they are beatable. The Rangers just need to figure out how to generate more chances with the quality offensive players they have.
- Igor Shesterkin was, again, outstanding. He kept the game close and was the Rangers best player.
- Third place seems likely. With seven games to go they certainly aren’t out of it for second, but tonight would have been huge in the push to get home ice.
- They are back at it tomorrow in Buffalo and then on Sunday in Washington.