The Rangers should rest Ryan Lindgren down the stretch
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 18: Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second period goal against the New Jersey Devils during Game One in the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The NY Rangers seemingly flipped the switch in Game 1, playing stellar defense en route to their big 5-1 Game 1 win. Vladimir Tarasenko opened the scoring in the first period before Chris Kreider tacked on his 35th career playoff goal, a Rangers record. Ryan Lindgren sniped one over Vitek Vanacek late in the second period after the Rangers survived the Devils push to make it 3-0 and all but seal the victory.

The Rangers struck early, putting the Devils down 2-0 in the first period after a dominating effort in the period. The Rangers looked like a team that was waiting for the playoffs to start, and capitalized on the Devils’ inexperience and jitters in their first playoff game. They did their homework, and it was enough to build a lead that the Devils couldn’t come back from.

That said, the Devils weren’t dominated at all. In fact, they crushed the Rangers in the second period, but Igor Shesterkin stood tall and a fantastic penalty kill, that went 4 for 4 in the first two periods, were the difference makers. The first period was about getting a jump start, and the second was about surviving.

Barclay Goodrow was an unsung hero in this one, blocking shots and showing why the Rangers signed him in the first place. Also Adam Fox quietly had a 4 assist night.

Rangers 1, Devils 0

Vladimir Tarasenko forced a turnover in the offensive zone before cutting to the net. K’Andre Miller fed him perfectly. Before this, the Rangers got some momentum with a fantastic penalty kill early in the period.

Rangers 2, Devils 0

The Rangers got that timely powerplay goal they needed. Chris Kreider won the faceoff (!) before going to his usual spot. All he had to do was keep his stick on the ice for Adam Fox to hit. He is now your all time Rangers playoff goal scoring leader.

Rangers 3, Devils 0

After Alexis Lafreniere’s powerplay goal was called back for a high stick (the right call), Ryan Lindgren answered right back off a nice feed from Adam Fox. This is probably one that Vitek Vanacek wants back, but what a snipe.

Rangers 4, Devils 0

Another powerplay, another deflection goal by Chris Kreider. The Devils give up deflections and rebounds, and Kreider feasted.

Rangers 4, Devils 1

Jack Hughes penalty shot.

Rangers 5, Devils 1

Filip Chytil empty netter.

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