Rangers vs Devils: Rangers Complete the Comeback Against New Jersey
The New York Rangers finally snapped their six game losing streak this evening as they defeated the New Jersey Devils in regulation. The Blueshirts came back from down two goals, and scored three unanswered goals in the third period to put away the Devils. Ryan Strome picked up three points on the night, as did Vladislav Namestnikov, and Libor Hajek notched his first NHL goal to tie the game at 2-2.
1-0 Devils
Damon Severson (10) - Kenny Agostino (13) & Michael McLeod (1) - 16:26 1st Period
The Devils were able to take the first lead of the night late in the first period courtesy of Damon Severson. With a ton of traffic in front of Henrik Lundqvist, Severson hammered a slap shot from just inside the blue and beat Lundqvist through the legs.
2-0 Devils - PPG
Blake Coleman (19) - Will Butcher (21) & Travis Zajac (24) - 19:49 1st Period
A short time later, the Devils doubled up their lead with a deflection at the top of the crease by Blake Coleman. Similar to the first goal, Will Butcher ripped a hard slap shot from the point, and as the puck came in on net, Coleman got just enough on the puck to change the direction. The puck found a way through Lundqvist’s legs yet again and the Devils took a 2-0 lead heading into the intermission.
2-1 Devils
Ryan Strome (12) - Kevin Shattenkirk (21) & Vladislav Namestnikov (16) - 18:22 2nd Period
The Rangers finally got on the scoreboard late in the second period to give them some life heading into the intermission. Kevin Shattenkirk’s point shot wound up deflecting off of Ryan Strome’s skate at the top of the crease, and beat Corey Schneider clean.
2-2 Tie
Libor Hajek (1) - Chris Kreider (23) & Ryan Strome (12) - 1:29 3rd Period
The Rangers late second period momentum carried over pretty quickly into the third period as Libor Hajek registered his first career NHL goal. Chris Kreider made an excellent pass out of the corner to Hajek, who was streaking down the middle of the ice uncontested. Hajek was able to collect the puck and quickly fire a wrist shot right under the crossbar to pull the Rangers even at 2-2.
3-2 Rangers
Vladislav Namestnikov (10) - Mika Zibanejad (37) & Brady Skjei (14) - 13:25 3rd Period
With a little under seven minutes remaining in regulation, the Rangers completed the comeback as Vladislav Namestnikov picked up his tenth goal of the season. Similar to the previous goal, Mika Zibanejad found Namestnikov wide open in the high slot and Vlad absolutely bombed a shot over Corey Schneider’s left shoulder.
4-2 Rangers
Ryan Strome (13) - Vladislav Namestnikov (17) & Mika Zibanejad (38) - 19:50 3rd Period
Ryan Strome finally iced the game for the Rangers with under 10 seconds remaining in the game, and picked up his third point of the evening.
Following tonight’s come-from-behind win over the Devils, the Rangers will have a scheduled off day tomorrow before returning to action on Monday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
