rangers devils chris kreider

The Rangers and Devils both came into today’s game in similar situations. Both teams were scratching trade deadline bait, and both teams look to be jockeying for draft positions. However that doesn’t take away from the rivalry. The Rangers dominated the first game. The Rangers dominated this game.

Alex Georgiev didn’t have to do much until the third period, as the Rangers really controlled play. He did have to make a few nice saves in the third, but once Brady Skjei made it 4-1, the game was out of reach. In the post-Zuccarello era, the Rangers are undefeated.

Rangers 1, Devils 0

It seems that no matter who you put with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, they score. This time it was Jimmy Vesey’s turn. Don’t discount Tony DeAngelo’s ability to get this shot through and create the rebound. That created chaos for Vesey to get the goal. That’s also Pavel Buchnevich in front crashing the net.

Rangers 2, Devils 0

This is pretty. The Kreider no look pass was fancy. The Devils forgot Ryan Strome was there, I guess. Easy tap-in for him off a good read and cut to the net.

Rangers 3, Devils 0

Kreider, after dishing the puck to the slot and causing chaos, gets checked behind the net by Andy Greene. Greene, after the check, just kind of watches while behind the net. Kreider gets right to the slot and finds the loose puck for the goal. Weak defense by Greene here.

Rangers 3, Devils 1

Brett Seney managed to get the puck away from both Fredrik Claesson and Kevin Shattenkirk behind the net. Lias Andersson was puck watching, and Kenny Agostino crept in for the pass and finish.

Rangers 4, Devils 1

Kreider and Eric Gryba got into it in front, which provided a nice screen for Brady Skjei to blast one home. This was a lot of sustained pressure on this shift.

Rangers 4, Devils 2

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1099407201507176448

DeAngelo lost the puck to Kyle Palmieri, which led to the setup for Greene to score. That’s a concern, but neither Jimmy Vesey nor Marc Staal (nor Mika ZIbanejad) picked up Greene, who basically skated a straight line down the middle of the ice and went untouched and unnoticed.

Rangers 5, Devils 2

Strome empty-netter.

Shot Heatmap

Did the Devils really not take a single shot from the left side of the ice?

The Rangers have another matinee on the docket for tomorrow against the Caps, who are fresh off their low-key solid acquisition of Nick Jensen. The Caps are trying to overtake the Islanders for the division lead.

Share: 

More About: