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Rangers vs. Devils: Igor Shesterkin Records Second Straight Shutout Over Devils

The New York Rangers picked up their second consecutive win over the New Jersey Devils this evening as they won by a final score of 4-0. Igor Shesterkin also registered his second straight shutout, and became the first goalie in franchise history to shutout the same opponent in consecutive games since 1955.

1st Period

Jacob Trouba (2) - Colin Blackwell (6) & Mika Zibanejad (19) - 0:47

After rallying the troops between the second and third period on Tuesday night, Jacob Trouba led with his actions on the ice tonight as he opened the scoring just 47 seconds into the game. Mika Zibanejad had an excellent scoring chances just moments prior to the goal, but elected to pass the puck across the crease with traffic in front.

Colin Blackwell was in a position to receive the pass and deferred to Jacob Trouba, who rotated down from his right point spot. Trouba absolutely wired a heavy slap shot over the shoulder of Mackenzie Blackwood, and gave New York an early 1-0 lead.

Ryan Lindgren (1) - Artemiy Panarin (31) & Adam Fox (35) - 6:39

Just six minutes later, the Rangers were able to build on the early momentum and doubled up their lead courtesy of Ryan Lindgren. Lindgren has had plenty of prime scoring chances throughout the season, but could never find a way to notch his first of the season. However, this time around, Lindgren found himself all alone in the high slot after receiving a beautiful tap pass from Artemiy Panarin. Lindgren had plenty of time to pick his spot, and stepped into a quick snap shot that was labeled for the top corner of the net.

Artemiy Panarin (14) - Ryan Strome (26) & Colin Blackwell (7) - 12:00

A little past the halfway mark of the first period, the Rangers took a commanding 3-0 lead as Artemiy Panarin picked up his first goal of the night. Adam Fox was able to transition the puck through the neutral zone and generated a 2-on-1 rush the other way between Ryan Strome and Artemiy Panarin.

Ryan Strome carried the puck down the right side of the ice, while Artemiy Panarin faked driving the net and pulled up at the top of the circles. Strome fed a quick pass across the ice to Panarin who was wide open after losing his defender, and the Breadman absolutely hammered a one-timer past Mackenzie Blackwood.

2nd Period

Artemiy Panarin (15) - Ryan Strome (27) & Colin Blackwell (8) - 12:51

The Rangers’ play dipped a bit during the second period, but they still found a way to add another insurance marker at the 12:51 mark. Colin Blackwell started the play with a harmless shot on goal, and he quickly turned to go to the bench for a chance. However, three Devils failed to make a play on the puck as it deflected off the side of the net and sat unattended near the crease. Ryan Strome was able to swoop in to collect the loose puck and found Artemiy Panarin on the far side for the easy tap in.

3rd Period

No scoring.

Well, actually, Vitali Kravtsov scored his first career NHL goal but Lindy Ruff doesn’t like fun and decided to challenge the goal for offsides. So instead of losing 5-0, the Devils decided to take away Kravtsov’s moment after being thoroughly dominated all night.

Never be like Lindy Ruff.

In all seriousness, the Rangers had another strong game and took advantage of a Devils team that looked completely lost all game. Artemiy Panarin was lights out once again, and New York got key contributions from Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren on the scoreboard. The Rangers are halfway to accomplishing the sweep over the four-game set, and they will do it all again on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

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