The New York Rangers were defeated 5-2 tonight by the New Jersey Devils, who have not played a game since January 31st. consistently beat MacKenzie Blackwood. Igor Shesterkin gave the Rangers every opportunity to advance in this game with his strong play in the first period. Unfortunately, the running support was not there yet and the Rangers dropped their fourth consecutive game.
1st period
No marks.
2nd period
Pavel Zacha (3) – Damon Severson (4) & Janne Kuokkanen (3) PPG – 7:37
After a quick start by the Devils in the first period, they could only strike at the power play early in the second period. The Rangers could not get the flyhalf of the ensuing onslaught, and the Devils worked to the advantage of man. New York gave Pavel Zacha simply too much space at the top of the face circle, and he absolutely wired a wrist shot past Igor Shesterkin.
Colin Blackwell (2) – Brett Howden (2) – 11:32
Nearly four minutes later, the Rangers finally got the answer that they were in dire need of raising their spirits. Colin Blackwell was able to escape the attacking zone, and Brett Howden was able to give him a quick pass. Instead of looking for an extra pass, Blackwell put his head down and hit a shot behind Blackwood to level the game at 1-1 for the Rangers.
Will Butcher (1) – Nick Merkley (2) & Janne Kuokkanen (4) – 17:14
The Rangers’ unlucky luck continued as the Devils were able to take a one-goal lead with less than three minutes left in the second period. Will Butcher’s shot from the left corner of the ice bounced around in traffic and somehow crossed the goal line. Igor Shesterkin never even saw the puck with the amount of bodies ahead, and New Jersey took a 2-1 lead.
Pavel Buchnevich (4) – Chris Kreider (1) & Jacob Trouba (3) – 19:27
Despite the late goal against the goal, the Rangers held on with their game and eventually leveled the game again. Chris Kreider did all the hard work in terms of disc possession and shot the shooter back over the ice. Pavel Buchnevich was able to correct the pass, and immediately fired a quick pulse that struck Blackwood over the glove hand.
3rd period
Yegor Sharangovich (2) – PK Subban (4) & Jesper Bratt (2) – 10:43
Third periods were often so late for the Rangers, and that was the case again tonight. Despite not participating in a match within 15 days, the Devils flew at the start of the third period. This eventually led to the goal at 10:43 courtesy of Yegor Sharangovich. Sharanagovich was able to deflect PK Subban’s point shot on top of the crease and beat Shesterkin under the right arm.
Nick Merkley (1) – Janne Kuokkanen (5) – 14:04
The Rangers chased the game during the third period, and less than four minutes later the Devils doubled their lead. Nick Merkley was able to open in the high slot and wired a one-bell under the crossbar of a beautiful centering by Janne Kuokkanen. This goal was the last nail in the coffin for the Rangers when they were 4-2 behind with less than five minutes to settle.
Mikhail Maltsev (1) – Kyle Palmieri (4) ENG – 19:39
Same story, another game for the Rangers, as their offense can not get going and eventually find a way to lose. It also struggles because they have not even played so badly again, they just can not find a way to create their own happiness. To make matters worse, their happiness on the other side of the disc also remains terrible. Two bends just squeaked through Shesterkin, meanwhile the Rangers could not buy a goal on a wide open header in the middle of the ice. Sometimes it’s just the way it is and the Rangers are now unbeaten in their last four meetings.
After another disappointing loss, the Rangers will have time tomorrow before playing against the Philadelphia Flyers again on Thursday night.