2012 NHL Playoffs: After Energetic Second Period, Rangers Fall 3-2 To Devils
The New York Rangers dropped Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, by a score of 3-2 to the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers were very sluggish in the opening period, and allowed a power play goal coming Ilya Kovalchuk. In the second period, the Rangers came out with some life, and took a 2-1 lead. The Devils never gave up and tied it up late in the second, and added another one early in the third period.
The Rangers got into some penalty trouble during the first period, and it wound up costing them the second time around. The Rangers were way too aggressive on the penalty kill, which left Ilya Kovalchuk wide open at the point. Marek Zidlicky slid the puck over the Kovalchuk, who slid it and sniped one over the glove of Henrik Lundqvist.
The Rangers were very lucky to get out of this period with just a 1-0 deficit. Whatever, was said in between periods definitely sparked the Rangers, and they came out flying in the second period.
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The Rangers would tie things up as Marc Staal would rip a shot off the back boards, and bounced back under Martin Brodeur, and into the net. The goal was originally credited to Derek Stepan, but was later changed back to Staal. Just ten minutes later, on their second power play of the period, the Rangers converted once again. This time it was Chris Kreider who wound up getting a foot on the initial shot from Anton Stralman.
Everyone was going fine and dandy for the Rangers as they known controlled the game with a 2-1 lead midway through the second. However, nearing the final two minutes of the period, the Rangers were pinned in their own end for some time, and it wound up costing them.
Ryan Carter would wind up tipping home a Bryce Salvador point shot, and the redirection completely fooled Henrik lundqvist. The Devils and Rangers would be all knotted up heading into the third period. Things started, just as they left of for the New Jersey Devils, and they came away with an early goal.
Again, a point shot which was redirected by David Clarkson, changed direction completely and fell in behind Henrik Lundqvist. This definitely wasn't the start the Rangers wanted to the third period, especially after their hard fought effort in the second.
The score would remain the same until the final buzzer, and the series would be all tied up at one, heading back to New Jersey. The Rangers are now 0-3 in Game 2's during these 2012 Playoffs, and have yet to hold a 2-0 series lead. Game 3 will be on Saturday at the Prudential Center starting at 1:00 PM.
Believe.