New York Rangers Kevin Klein (8) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, in New York.
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The Rangers (30-18-5) have won three games in a row for the first time since concluding a nine-game winning streak on November 15. A regulation win for the Devils will pull them within two points of the second place New York Rangers, while a loss will likely drop the Devils out of a wild card spot during this crucial stretch.
The Rangers will be without Rick Nash (lower-body) and Captain Ryan McDonagh (concussion). And they’ve won five straight at home, are on a 7-0-1 streak at the Garden and are 20-5-2 overall on home ice this season. Unfortunately, Corey Schneider was absolutely spectacular in between the pipes, and if not for him, this game probably gets out of hand in the early going. The goal came after Keith Yandle made a high risk play at the blue line, which was blocked, and gave the Devils a 2-on-1 rush back the other way. The Devils are in over their heads like usual when they play the Rangers, especially at MSG.
Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 27 saves as the Rangers strung together three successive wins for the first time in three months. The Rangers went 0-for-4 on the power play and have two power-play goals in their past 49 chances.
After Zajac scored on a 2-on-1 with Adam Henrique, Lundqvist had to make a skate save on Lee Stempniak to keep NY ahead. Despite the Rangers strong play during the opening period, the Rangers came up empty after throwing 17 shots on goal, and went into the intermission with a scoreless tie. The Swede also stopped a flurry with less than six minutes left in the third, making a pad save on defenseman Andy Greene on a shot from inside the right circle. By holding onto the puck, Zuccarello drew in both Devils defensemen and dished a quick pass over to Kevin Klein. As Tom Gulitti noted last night, Kyle Palmieri said a few guys are battling a bug right now so that could also lead to some changes.
New Jersey will retire goaltender Marty Brodeur’s jersey on Tuesday…. “We’ve been fortunate here that he’s been able to find a way to play through it and he scores a huge goal for us”. Marc Staal got his first assist in 18 games on the play. Aside from the final moments of this game, the Rangers controlled a majority of the play in the offensive zone and tossed 37 shots on goal throughout 60 minutes.
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“It’s a stinker. There’s nothing you can take from this game”, Devils defenseman John Moore said. D Damon Severson and Fs Stefan Matteau and Tuomo Ruutu were healthy scratches for the Devils…. Miller, once again, stepped up at a big time for the Rangers and registered his 17th goal of the season.
