The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers provided a preview of a potential first-round playoff series, promising an exciting matchup if it happens.
Erik Haula and Timo Meier each scored, and Vitek Vanecek made three crucial saves in the third period to lead the Devils to a 2-1 victory over the Rangers on Thursday night. The intensity of the game grew as it progressed.
The young, fast Devils won the season series 3-1 and extended their lead over the Rangers in the Metropolitan Division to four points, with seven games remaining.
With Carolina’s loss to Detroit, New Jersey (102 points) moved within one point of the first-place Hurricanes, who have played one fewer game. If the Devils surpass Carolina, they would avoid the Rangers in the first round.
“Both teams are aware of the standings and the rivalry,” Meier said. With the pace and physicality, it felt like a playoff game. These games are fun, and while we’re excited about the win, we know there’s more to accomplish.”
Vanecek made 24 saves, including key stops against Vincent Trocheck and Vladimir Tarasenko in the final 12 minutes, securing his 30th win.
“Defensively, it was a huge game for us, getting ready for the playoffs,” Vanecek said, crediting defenseman Ryan Graves for his help.
Graves cleared a loose puck from the crease, and Tarasenko lurked in the final minute.
“It was a split-second decision,” Graves said. “I’m just glad I didn’t knock it into our own net. It was close.”
Chris Kreider scored his 33rd goal for the Rangers, who have lost three of their last eleven games (8-2-1). Igor Shesterkin continued his stellar play with 29 saves before a sellout crowd at the Prudential Center, which supported both teams.
“That was a good hockey game between two really good teams, a 2-1 score,” Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said.
Anticipation for this game was high, with the teams so close in the standings. While the fans were vocal, the game didn’t take on a playoff atmosphere until the latter part of the second period.
There was a skirmish near the Rangers’ net after Haula hit Adam Fox from behind after a whistle and another altercation behind the Devils’ net as the period ended.
The Devils took a 2-0 lead in the first period.
Haula scored his second goal in as many games, redirecting a blue-line pass from Dougie Hamilton past Shesterkin at 5:17. Meier, assisted by Jack Hughes, netted his 36th goal of the season on a power play at 17:03.
“You can’t give up early goals and expect to win,” Fox said.
Kreider cut the lead in half at 13:24 with a power-play goal off a pass from Mike Zibanejad, after New Jersey failed to clear the puck. It was his 262nd goal for the Rangers, tying him with Vic Hatfield for fifth in team history.
Game Notes:
- Zibanejad’s assist gave him 82 points, a career-high.
- Rangers D Ryan Lindgren was scratched.
- The Devils scratched D Brendan Smith and forwards Curtis Lazar, Nathan Bastian, and Nolan Foote.
- Devils coach Lindy Ruff joked about Vanecek joining Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur as a 30-game winner: “They’re going to put a statue right next to him.” Brodeur has a statue outside the Prudential Center.
UP NEXT:
- Rangers: At Buffalo on Friday.
- Devils: At Chicago on Saturday.
