Timo Meier netted two goals, and Jacob Markstrom recorded a 26-save shutout as the New Jersey Devils cruised past the New York Rangers 4-0 on Saturday, clinching a playoff berth for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the process.
Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier also scored for New Jersey, which extended its winning streak to three games. The loss snapped the Rangers’ two-game run and blew their fading playoff hopes.
Following a scoreless first period, Meier scored on a power play at 10:56 of the second, capitalizing just four seconds after New York’s Sam Carrick was penalized for interference. Bratt extended the lead with a shorthanded goal at 12:23 — his 21st of the season.
Meier added his second goal of the night at 15:01 of the third period, giving him 24 on the season, and Hischier sealed the win with his team-leading 35th goal just over a minute later. Hischier also notched two assists in the victory.
Markstrom earned his fourth shutout of the season and the 24th of his career. The 35-year-old goaltender improved to 26-14-6 in his first season with the Devils.
Last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Rangers, are now at risk of missing the postseason. They trail Montreal by two points for the final playoff spot in the East with six games to go. Montreal still has seven games remaining.
New York went 0-for-2 on the power play and has converted just two of its last 43 opportunities with the man advantage.
With 89 points, the Devils sit comfortably in third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Game Takeaways
Rangers: New York dropped to 18-16-4 on the road and was blanked 5-0 in its previous visit to Prudential Center on December 23.
Devils: New Jersey improved to 19-13-5 at home and has won four of its last five games.
Key Moment
Meier’s second-period power-play goal broke the deadlock. It shifted the momentum entirely in New Jersey’s favor as the Rangers struggled to generate offense for the remainder of the game.
Key Stat
The Devils are now 34-1-2 when leading after two periods and have posted nine shutouts this season.
Up next
Rangers: Return home to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
Devils: Stay in Newark to face the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
