I have no words. This season left me with the most optimism I’ve ever had. But this loss stings. A lot. I got nothing for you.

Actually. I have a “thank you.” I have a thank you to the New York Rangers. It’s been a long time since I’ve believed. This season ended with a less than desirable result, but I believe. I believe this team is destined for great things. I believe this team is built for the next 2-5 years. I believe. I thank you, New York Rangers, it’s been a while since I’ve believed.

Here’s the breakdown:

1-0   NJD, Devils 4th line does it again

This goal is on Marc Staal. First, Staal cant control the blue line, and that leads to a 3 on 1 for the Devils fourth line. Eventually, Stephen Gionta winds up with semi break. Hank makes the save but Staal, slow on the back check after his turnover, can’t pick up the trailer in Ryan Carter (two mistakes by Staal) and it’s a tap in goal on the rebound. People incorrectly blame Michael Del Zotto on this, but he was the lone man back on the 3 on 1, and he did what he could, he covered the initial shooter (Gionta) and one wing (Bernier). The trailer (Carter) was Staal’s job.

2-0   NJD, Devils powerplay makes it a two goal lead

Not much to say on this goal, it was Ilya Kovalchuk on the back door. It was a great passing play, and they caught the Rangers running around.  Eventualy MDZ wanders too a bit high, leaving the passing lane to the back door open. While people incorrectly blame MDZ for the first goal, the goal is on him. He drifted too high, allowing that passing lane to Kovi to open.

2-1- NJD, Fedotenko comes through

A failed clear by Kovi leads to this goal. Ryan McDonagh pinches when he needs to and steals the puck from Kovi at the mid-boards.  McD  keeps it deep and wraps it behind the net, drawing three Devils to him. That leaves Ruslan Fedotenko wide open in front of the net for a tap in goal. McD made the goal happen from the pinch, drawing people to him, and a perfect pass to Feds for the goal.

2-2 Face off win leads to the tying goal

This is a set play off the face off. Brandon Dubinsky wins the face off with help from Artem Anisimov. The puck winds up at the point on McDonagh’s stick, who moves the puck to the far boards and Dan Girardi.  A simple wrist shot from Girardi into traffic –the Rangers finally put traffic in front—deflects off Ryan Callahan’s knee pad, goal. That’s what happens when you win face offs.

3-2 Devils send the Rangers packing

This one hurts. It was just a scramble. I don’t want to break this down. No one’s at fault. Scrambles happen. Dirty goals happen. This happens.

 

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