Rangers vs Devils: Rangers Jump On Devils Early and Win 5-2 at MSG
The New York Rangers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period, and never looked back as they defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-2 this afternoon. Ryan Strome, Chris Kreider, Jimmy Vesey, Pavel Buchnevich and Mika Zibanejad all registered two points on the afternoon, including the game-winning goal from Kreider late in the first period.
1-0 Rangers
Jimmy Vesey (14) - Pavel Buchnevich (12) & Tony DeAngelo (17) - 4:48 1st Period
Despite both teams icing skeleton lineups due to the upcoming trade deadline, the Rangers came out absolutely flying early in this game. Their fast start led to Jimmy Vesey’s early goal just 4:48 into the game as he slammed home a loose puck during a net-front scramble. Pavel Buchnevich and Tony DeAngelo picked up the assists after a great passing play generated the shot on net, and gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead.
2-0 Rangers - PPG
Ryan Strome (9) - Chris Kreider (21) & Pavel Buchnevich (13) - 8:54 1st Period
Nearly four minutes later, the Rangers would double up their lead with a highlight-reel goal coming from Ryan Strome on the power play. Once again it was Pavel Buchnevich setting up Chris Kreider behind the goal line, but instead of shooting, Kreider tossed a spin-o-rama pass back out to the front of the net. Ryan Strome picked up the pass as he slid down from the left faceoff circle and ripped the shot past Corey Schneider.
3-0 Rangers
Chris Kreider (25) - Mika Zibanejad (33) & Jimmy Vesey (16) - 14:23 1st Period
The Rangers wouldn’t stop just there, though, and added yet another insurance marker near the end of the first period. After setting up the previous goal, Chris Kreider finally buried a goal of his own as the puck bounce around in the crease. Kreider failed to score on the previous two attempts but finally swatted the puck off of a defenseman, and the puck ended up in the back of the net.
3-1 Rangers
Kenny Agostino (3) - Unassisted - 2:20 3rd Period
The Devils finally broke Alexandar Georgiev’s shutout bid early in the third period as Kenny Agostino picked up his third goal of the season. The goal came off of a fortunate bounce behind the net, and the puck wound up bouncing out front after deflecting off of Brett Seney’s stick. Georgiev was unable to get himself set with a quick change in direction, and Agostino pulled the Devils back within a pair of goals.
4-1 Rangers
Brady Skjei (4) - Mika Zibanejad (34) & Kevin Shattenkirk (17) - 11:08 3rd Period
After giving up their first goal of the game, the Rangers jumped right back on the Devils midway through the period and extended their lead to three goals. The puck eventually worked its way out to Brady Skjei, and he absolutely wired a slap shot over Corey Schneider’s arm. Chris Kreider and Eric Gryba got into a bit of a wrestling match following the goal, but the two were separated and handed two minute minors.
4-2 Rangers
Andy Greene (4) - Kyle Palmieri (22) & Nico Hischier (26) - 12:59 3rd Period
Similar to their first goal, a quick change in direction led to Andy Greene coming down the slot unguarded and made it a 4-2 game. Tony DeAngelo was caught in no-man’s land as he was the lone defender back, and also received no help from his backcheckers after the puck slipped across to the far side of the ice. Greene was able to collect the puck uncontested and snapped a shot under the crossbar.
5-2 Rangers
Ryan Strome (10) - Vladislav Namestnikov (14) & Jesper Fast (11) - 19:41 3rd Period
The Rangers finally iced the game with under 30 seconds remaining as Ryan Strome collected his second goal of the game. A big two point afternoon was a perfect way to cap off Strome’s 400th career NHL game.
Following today’s win over the Devils, the Rangers will have one final game remaining before the trade deadline. They will be right back in action tomorrow afternoon as they visit the Washington Capitals in the nation’s capital.