Rangers vs Devils: Late Third Period Goal Dooms Rangers in Jersey
Following two straight wins, the New York Rangers were defeated 4-2 tonight in regulation by the New Jersey Devils. A late third period goal by Connor Carrick gave the Devils a 3-2 lead in the third period, and Joey Anderson iced the game with the empty netter. On the other end of the ice, Brett Howden and Filip Chytil picked up the goals for the Rangers.
1-0 Devils
Miles Wood (10) - Connor Carrick (9) & Mirco Mueller (10) - 3:54 1st Period
Early in this game, the Devils were able to catch the Rangers in transition and Miles Wood gave New Jersey a 1-0 lead just 3:54 in. Connor Carrick made an excellent clearing pass that landed right on Miles Wood’s stick and he broke in on a partial breakaway. Just as Tony DeAngelo closed in to pressure Wood, he ripped a quick wrist shot and beat Henrik Lundqvist over the shoulder.
2-0 Devils - PPG
Travis Zajac (18) - Damon Severson (27) & Nico Hischier (29) - 14:34 1st Period
A little later on in the first period, the Devils doubled up their lead with a power play goal coming from Travis Zajac. New Jersey was given the man-advantage after Tony DeAngelo tripped up Nico Hischier and gave them a big opportunity. Damon Severon’s point should wound up being deflect at the top of the crease by Travis Zajac, and slipped under Henrik Lundqvist.
2-1 Devils
Brett Howden (6) - Connor Brickley (3) & Neal Pionk (19) - 18:40 1st Period
Nearly four minutes later, the Rangers brought the game back within reach following Brett Howden’s sixth goal of the season. The entire goal started with a great defensive play by Neal Pionk, who quickly pushed the puck up to Connor Brickley and created a 2-on-1 rush. The puck eventually worked its way to Brett Howden, who backed down Connor Carrick and sniped a shot past MacKenzie Blackwood.
2-2 Tie - PPG
Filip Chytil (11) - Vinni Lettieri (2) & Tony DeAngelo (26) - 16:36 2nd Period
With a bit of a gap in the scoring, the Rangers finally tied the game up late in the second period courtesy of Filip Chytil. The goal came on the power play, and was created with a nice centering feed by Tony DeAngelo coming into he offensive zone. DeAngelo’s pass never made it to the intended target, but Vinni Lettieri jumped on the loose puck to generate a rebound. Filip Chytil was able to tap home the loose puck at the top of the crease and tied up the game for the Rangers.
3-2 Devils
Connor Carrick (2) - Drew Stafford (8) & Michael McLeod (2) - 15:50 3rd Period
With the Rangers continuing to put shots towards MacKenzie Blackwood, the Devils finally had a late scoring chance and took full advantage. Drew Stafford was able to make a great defensive play on Vladislav Namestnikov, and quickly found Connor Carrick cutting into the high slot. Carrick corralled the crisp pass and fired a wrist shot past Henrik Lundqvist on the far side.
4-2 Devils
Joey Anderson (4) - Kenny Agostino (18) & Travis Zajac (27) - 18:51 3rd Period
The Rangers were pushing for the tying goal late in the third period, but a misplay by Mika Zibanejad gave the Devils a chance to clear the zone. Kenny Agostino was able to make a pass up to Joey Anderson at the blue line, and he iced the game with the empty net goal.
Following a back-to-back with the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils, the Rangers will have a scheduled off day tomorrow before a meeting with the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday evening.