rangers libor hajek ryan strome jesper fast chris kreider

The Rangers came into last night’s game with a Rick Nash celebration, and then promptly fell behind 2-0 to the AHL Devils. But then the Blueshirts rattled off four straight, including Libor Hajek’s first professional goal. It was also a completely dominating affair for the Rangers, who controlled 67% of the shot attempts. I would hope that was the case, considering the Devils dressed their AHL team.

Hajek later suffered a separated shoulder on the shift following his goal, so that stinks. Ryan Strome had a pair of goals. Vlad Namestnikov had a goal and two assists, and Mika Zibanejad had a pair of assists to round out the night. A strong win for the Rangers.

Devils 1, Rangers 0

I don’t really see a breakdown here by the Rangers. You can nitpick and say no one picked up Damon Severson for the one timer as the trailer, but the location of the shot isn’t a high quality chance. The bodies in front created havoc and the shot snuck through Henrik Lundqvist.

Devils 2, Rangers 0

Just going to leave Blake Coleman alone in front for the tip there?

Devils 2, Rangers 1

This was good work by the Blueshirts to get the puck back from behind the net and back to Kevin Shattenkirk at the point. His shot deflected off Strome’s leg and past Cory Schneider.

Rangers 2, Devils 2

This was a good keep by Neal Pionk, and then a great pass by Chris Kreider. Hajek sniped it for his first NHL goal.

Rangers 3, Devils 2

The Devils failed to clear and then it looks like their defense just broke down. Brady Skjei got the puck down to Zibanejad, who found Namestnikov for the finish. It looks like the Devils forgot about Namestnikov once they couldn’t clear.

Rangers 4, Devils 2

Strome empty netter.

Shot Heatmap

Good lord the Devils are bad.

The Rangers now head out west for another pair of games against lottery teams. This is the most travel I’ve seen the Rangers have in quite some time.

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