Devils Vs. Rangers, 2012 NHL Playoffs: Despite Elimination, Rangers Have Bright Future

The New York Rangers fell two games short of reaching the NHL Finals, after finishing the regular season as the Eastern Conference's number one seed. Despite the disappointing loss to the six-seeded New Jersey Devils, Rangers fans still have plenty to be grateful for.

Believe in what this team accomplished, against all odds (and serious injuries), all season long. Believe in the direction this team is moving in. Believe in the young talent that's only going to get better and how much more complete this team will be next season. Most importantly, believe that this team is going to be great in the future, because they will be. This season, for all it was, was a massive accomplishment, and something every single fan should be proud of.

Stick with this StoryStream for more updates from the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Blue Shirt Banter is your home for Rangers news and analysis, and if the Devils are your team, check out In Lou We Trust.

Adam Henrique: Game-Winning Goal 'One You Dream About'

Playoff series-winning goals are getting to be old hat for Adam Henrique of the New Jersey Devils. The 22-year-old rookie scored the game-winner in overtime Friday night as the Devils won, 3-2, to oust the New York Rangers in six games in the NHL Eastern Conference Finals. Henrique also had the game-winner in Game 7 of the opening round against the Florida Panthers in double overtime.

“That was Johnny on the spot for that one, I guess. Kovalchuk and Poni did a good job in front. I was sitting there. I couldn’t see the puck. I knew it was down, and I was just praying it was going to come under his pad,” said Henrique. “It’s a big one. It’s one you dream about.”

Henrique and the Devils hope there are more thrills for them against the Los Angeles Kings in a Stanley Cup Finals series that will begin Wednesday night.

“There’s still more ahead. We’re not done yet. We haven’t really won anything,” said Henrique. “It’s a long ride. And this is ‑‑ every kid dreams of playing in the Stanley Cup Finals. And we have a chance to win.”

Yes, they do. And the 22-year-old kid had a lot to do with getting the Devils that chance.

New Jersey Devils Reach Stanley Cup Finals: Peter DeBoer Reaction

Peter DeBoer has taken the New Jersey Devils to the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Finals in his first season as coach of the team. DeBoer, whose team begins play against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, is enjoying the moment.

" I was out of work last June and July and got a call from Hall of Fame general manager who recognized some of the work I had done in Florida and gave me a chance … I’m fortunate to be sitting here," DeBoer said.

“These moments you enjoy. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first year, your fifth year. We talked after the game. Dainius Zubrus is a great example. Went to the Cup final in his first year in the league, and you’re 10, 12, 15 years later, and he’s getting a second opportunity. So you don’t get picky when these opportunities come along. You enjoy every minute of it, as much as you can, because it’s awful tough to get here.”

Devils 3, Rangers 2 (OT): John Tortorella Says 'I Thought We Were The Better Team'

New York Rangers coach John Tortorella was defiant in defeat Friday night. After the New Jersey Devils advanced to the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Finals by defeating Tortorella’s Rangers 3-2 in overtime in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tortorella said “I thought we were the better team.”

The Rangers fell behind 2-0 after one period then fought back to tie the game before losing in overtime.

“I thought we played ‑‑ after getting through the first period, I thought we played a really good hockey game,” Tortorella said. “After a little bit of a struggle, we gathered ourselves and I thought we played two really good periods. I thought it was going to end in overtime. I thought it was going to be us.”

It wasn’t, though, as the sixth-seeded Devils ousted the top-seeded Rangers to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Los Angeles Kings.

“Give them some credit,” Tortorella said of the Devils. "They did it through the whole playoffs. And they’re a pretty good hockey club. They’re a balanced team. And they were a pretty good team.

“So we talk about it. We try to get our footing. We struggled a little bit there. But as we go into overtime, I think we’re the better team. But they make the big play.”

Rangers Eastern Conference Final Game 6 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

After 102 games, the New York Rangers' season has come to a disappointing finish as they lost Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final 3-2 in overtime Friday night to the New Jersey Devils. There was no magic of 18 years ago; this bunch dropped the series in six games.

New York was, yet again, put into a deep hole by giving up two goals in the first period, but rallied back to tie it with goals from Ruslan Fedotenko and Ryan Callahan. It just couldn't find that decisive one when the team clearly outchanced and dominated the Devils, ultimately falling on a scramble in front when Adam Henrique found the loose puck and popped in the goal.

The Eastern Conference's best team during the regular season had to battle for every goal and every win in these playoffs, losing in the conference finals, the furtherest the Rangers have gone since 1997.

The result makes it hard to assess with a clear head, but let's take a final look at the good and bad of the Game 6 loss.

What Went Wrong

Early Deficit: The Rangers re-wote the script that has been prevalent throughout the series: starting slowly and having to claw their way back into a game. New York was out-scored 7-1 in the first periods of this series. In this one, the Dvils went up 2-0, even though, this time, it wasn't as if the Blueshirts weren't ready. The problem early on in this game is that it seemed like the Rangers made a concerted effort to pinch their defensemen and be as aggressive as possible in the offensive zone, and they got burned by doing so because it created odd-man rushes that were tough to defend. This altered approach, to me at least, was way to out of character for a team that has just stuck with it for the entire season. It's one thing to do this in the third period, down two goals. It's another to do it in the first and as a result, dig yourself a two-goal deficit.

Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik: Let's lump these two guys together because they equally came up empty in this do-or-die game. They're also the forwards that earn the most on the team, with reasons for being able to produce in big situations. Richards was generally a very good player this postseason, making a number of big plays to keep the Rangers' dreams alive. However, after scoring two goals in the first series and four in the next, the center went goalless in the third round. Even though he notched four assists (one Friday), Richards simply wasn't enough of a factor in this game. He actually had a chance at a goal, but wound up shooting it right into the stacked pads of Martin Brodeur, instead of targetting the open part of the net. Gaborik, on the other hand, has never really been considered a big playoff performer. He had five goals in the posteason, but just one in this series and entirely was not enough of a game-changer throughout the 16 games the Rangers played. He received a series-high 23:02 of ice time because coach John Tortorella had to put his best players out there ... the winger just didn't play like one, notching four goals on net but nothing to show for it.

Steve Eminger: What's the point of even dressing a guy when he plays 2:06? He's inserted in the lineup for Stu Bickel -- presumably because he can get to pucks quicker -- then plays fewer minutes. That means five defensemen are relied upon quite heavily. This was a practice Tortorella utilized all year because he simply had no trust in the final blueliner. It's clear that sixth defenseman spot in the lineup will be an area up for grabs during next year's preaseason.

What Went Right

Comeback effort: New York came up with the requisite energy in this game, they just were too aggressive and it cost them early. The game looked to be on the brink of getting ugly, but the Rangers regained and controlled themselves by the end of the first period and throughout the game. For the second game in a row, New York tied it, this time with two goals in the second period, and tilted the ice in its favor. The Blueshirts just could not find that third goal, which could've turned the series in their favor.

Tired? It's no secret that the Rangers play a bruising, full-body style. They are physical, block shots and the coach necessitates full effort on every shift, in every zone from every player. New York's road through this series in the playoffs was not an easy one, made more grueling by the intensity in playoff games. These factors combined to lead a lot of media to call the Rangers "tired" and "out of gas." I never bought that excuse, even if New York was the more energized team at times. The players didn't either, as even though they were lethargic in every start this series, the final two games proved they had a lot more to give, with two great comeback efforts and two very dominating performances after that initial time period. The never-give-up attitude is one these Rangers have cultivated and it makes them a fun team to watch because their will is never in question. Game 6 was just another example of that.

Ryan McDonagh: The emergence of McDonagh as a premiere No. 1 shutdown defensemen was a sight to behold this season. In his second year, he became one of the league's best blueliners and made the transition easily -- at 22 years old. Even with the amount of ice time he garnered in the playoffs, he rarely appeared tired. The kid was a total stud throughout the regular season and really made a name for himself with the way he carried himself in the postseason, or more specifically, how he handled some of the league's most-skilled forwards -- physically and rarely penalized. Oh, and he was also one of the team's best shot-blockers. What did he do in Game 6? Record two assists, a plus-one rating, three shots on goal, two blocks and four hits. McDonagh played against the opponent's top forwards, he was out there literally every other shift in demanding situations and he still finished with a plus-two rating in the playoffs. Simply unbelievable.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 6: New Jersey Defeats New York 3-2, Advances To Stanley Cup Finals

The New Jersey Devils scored just over a minute into the overtime period of Game 6 of their NHL Eastern Conference Finals series against the New York Rangers, winning 3-2 to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Devils took the series 4-2, and will now face the Los Angeles Kings in the Finals.

The Devils opened the game strong, going up 2-0 in the first period. The Rangers came back in the second period on goals by Ruslan DFedotenko and Ryan Callahan. Things looked to be going the Rangers' way as the game progressed, with New York outshooting New Jersey 13-7 in the second period and 8-5 in the third.

The overtime period opened with an offensive flurry by New York, but the Devils were able to clear the puck. They followed it down the ice and after a scramble in front of New York's goal Adam Henrique was able to put it past Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist for the win.

Lundqvist ended the game with 26 saves on 29 shots, while New Jersey's Martin Brodeur saved 33 of 35 shots. Ryan Carter, Ilya Kovalchuk and Henrique had goals for New Jersey.

Stick with this storystream for more updates from the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Blue Shirt Banter is your home for Rangers news and analysis, and if the Devils are your team, check out In Lou We Trust.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs Game 6: New York And New Jersey Head To Overtime With Score Tied 2-2

Both the The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils failed to score in the third period, sending game six of their series into overtime Friday night. The score was tied 2-2 after the second, and despite outshooting the Devils 8-4 the Rangers were unable to score.

New York is outshooting New Jeresey for the game as a whole, 35-26. The Rangers improved their faceoff percentage in the third, going from having won 31 percent of draws to 45 percent.

New Jersey's Ryan Carter drew the only penalty of the third period, getting a two-minute minor for interference. Through three periods, the teams are even with six penalty minutes each, but the Devils have been able to convert one of their three powerplays for a goal.

Stick with this storystream for score updates, recaps and more from the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Blue Shirt Banter is your home for Rangers news and analysis, and if the Devils are your team, check out In Lou We Trust.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 6: New York Ties Game At 2-2 After 2 Periods

The New York Rangers scored twice in the second period of game six against the New Jersey Devils , leaving the score tied at 2-2 entering the third period of game six of their series. The first goal came 9:47 into the second, with Ryan McDonah passing from behind the net to Ruslan Fedotenko , who was able to put it past New Jersey's Martin Brodeur . The tying goal came from Ryan Callahan , who had a long shot from Dan Girardi ricochet off his kneepad and skirt just inside the post.

Each team picked up one penalty in the second, with New Jersey's Andrei Ponikarovsky getting called for interference 1:23 into the period. Michael Del Zotto was called for high sticking at 7:16, but replays would show that Steve Bernier may have been taking that contact for more than it was worth.

via assets.sbnation.com

Neither team was able to capitalize on the resulting power play. The Rangers are outshooting the Devils 27-21 and look to have momentum on their side entering the third.

Stick with this storystream for score updates, recaps and more from the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Blue Shirt Banter is your home for Rangers news and analysis, and if the Devils are your team, check out In Lou We Trust.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 6: New Jersey Leads New York 2-0 After First Period

The New Jersey Devils lead the New York Rangers by a score of 2-0 after the first period of game six of their series. The first goal came on a textbook rebound shot, as Ryan Carter beat defenseman Marc Staal to the puck and was able to score. The second came on a power play after Ruslan Fedotanko got called for tripping at 12:31. The Devils put together a strong power play, with Ilya Kovalchuk knocking one past Henrik Lundqvist after passing it between each man on the ice:

The Rangers have managed to generate some offensive pressure, taking 14 shots on goal, but they have been unable to find net. They did manage to kill New Jersey's second power play, picked up when Carl Haglin was called for goalie interference with 2:30 left in the period. The Devils had one penalty in the first period, a high sticking call on Bryce Salvador just three minutes into the game.

Stick with this storystream for score updates, recaps and more from the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Blue Shirt Banter is your home for Rangers news and analysis, and if the Devils are your team, check out In Lou We Trust.

The "1994" Story A Thing of the Past for Rangers, Devils

2012 NHL Playoffs, Devils Vs. Rangers Game 6: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The situations are carbon copies: Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final series between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils in 1994 and Game 6 between the same teams in the East final in 2012.

Down 3-2 in the series, it was 18 years ago today that the Rangers upended the Devils in Game 6 of that series to stay alive for the ultimate Game 7 Stephane Matteau double-overtime winner at Madison Square and eventual Stanley Cup championship.

While these Rangers won't offer the same guarantee then-captain Mark Messier had the day before Game 6, New York needs the same result and the same kind of magic or be heading home for the offseason. On the other hand, the Devils hope to be advancing to their first Stanley Cup since 2003, when they won it.

Friday will tell the truth, as New Jersey hosts New York at the Prudential Center at 8:00 p.m. EST (NBCSN). The Blueshirts will leave it all on the line in a do-or-die tilt. The Devils don't want to go back to MSG for a Game 7, where the Rangers could've grabbed the momentum, meaning this could wind up being the fiercest game of the series yet.

The Devils, unlike the previous four games in the series, are coming off a game they feel like they stole. A 3-0 lead wilted, before late third-period heroics put them ahead in the series. In a similar vein, the Rangers, like every game in the series, had no jump at the start of the game. Yet after the first five minutes, they played their best game in quite some team, dominating the Devils, but ultimately coming up short where it counts, the scoreboard

New York lost three games in a row twice all season. Henrik Lundqvist has also had two back-to-back poor efforts, the latest in which he gave up four goals on 16 shots in the 5-3 loss. New Jersey's lineup balance has given the Rangers problems, especially the fourth line which accounted for four points (two goals) Wednesday. Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk tasting a series victory also doesn't bode well for New York, which can't line-match its top defensive pairing (Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi) nearly as much away from home ice.

In the end, just like the entire series, the game will be determined by the men between the pipes. The Blueshirts' motor has been Lundqvist. They go as he goes. Martin Brodeur may have cracked in Game 5, but he's given up two goals or fewer in every game but that one.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Eastern Conference Finals: Devils Aim To Finish Off Rangers

The New Jersey Devils are one victory from the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Finals, leading the New York Rangers 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Devils can end ther series Friday night in their home arena, the Prudential Center. They would very much like to do that, especially with the Rangers being the host team if there is a Game 7.

“We don’t want to go back to Madison Square Garden,” Zach Parise of the Devils said Thursday. “They’re playing a little bit different hockey there. They feed off the crowd and the excitement there. We’ve got to play better than we did yesterday.”

Parise said the Devils understand the series is not over.

“I don’t think anybody thinks out there that it’s won. We are in the position we’d like to be right now. Obviously going home and playing home game six. But we know it’s going to be a really tough game tomorrow,” Parise said.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils: No Concessions From A Pair Of Optimistic Fan Bases

The New Jersey Devils won the fifth game of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night. They beat the New York Rangers by a final score of 5-3 to take a 3-2 series lead. For anyone that has seen all five games of this series, or even Wednesday's game, it should be clear that this series could still go a full seven games.

That was evident in Game 5 as the Rangers dug their way out of a 3-0 deficit in the first period. John Fisher at In Lou We Trust, SB Nation's Devils blog, cited New Jersey's win in spite of New York's hustle as reason for celebration and consternation.

I don't know about the rest of the fanbase, but I was delirious with excitement when the celebration began. After being out-shot (final: 28-17 Rangers), out-attempted (Devils were -10 in Fenwick and Corsi), out-drawn (Devils won 40% of all faceoffs tonight), out-worked, out-hustled, and simply out-played for the majority of the game, the Devils were leading. And the Devils shut it down with Zach Parise hitting another long-range empty net goal.

Let's be blunt for a change: The Rangers played their best game of this series and the Devils won 5-3. And the heroes of the night were Stephen Gionta and Ryan Carter. I admit I'm still trying to comprehend it, I can't say the Devils did well, I must say they have to be better in their next game, and I will agree that the Rangers' best was simply not enough tonight.

Over at Blueshit Banter, SB Nation's Rangers blog, Joe Fortunato pointed to a pair of soft goals given up by the usually strong Henrik Lundqvist as the team's ultimate undoing in Game 5. There was no concession in his conclusions.

Want to know something funny? I still think we win this series. This was by far the Rangers most dominating performance of this series, the bounces simply didn't go the Rangers' way. If they come out and play like that in Game 6 I think we'll see a different result. This team has handled adversity better than any other team left in the playoffs, and better than any team that was in the playoffs in the first place. If anyone can do this it's the Rangers.

Game 6 happens Friday at 8 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center in Newark.

For more on the Rangers vs. Devils NHL Playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust has all your commentary and discussion on the Eastern Conference Final.

Devils 5, Rangers 3 -- Game 5 NHL Eastern Conference Finals: Peter DeBoer Reaction

New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer called his team’s 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers Wednesday in the 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Finals “an adventure.”

That is probably the best way to describe a game in which New Jersey led 3-0 before the game was 10 minutes old, watched the Rangers dominate for a long stretch after that and eventually tie the game, then win it in the final 4:24.

“Kind of a tale of two or three games out there. I thought obviously we got the great start, a little bit of an unexpected 3‑0 lead. We haven’t had a lead like that in a while. The Rangers pushed. I thought we were tentative. Started to play a little in between, got away from our forecheck and really for the middle portion of the game, you know, they had us on our heels,” DeBoer said.

“I thought we found a way to weather the storm and we hung with it, and we felt that if we could get back on the forecheck we could create some more offense.
And the goal was a forecheck goal. Kovalchuk goes in, eliminates the defensemen. Gionta scoops up the puck and makes a play.”

The Devils can close out the series and move on to face the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals with a victory in Game 6 Friday night at the Prudential Center.

“This [Madison Square Garden] is a tough rink to get a win in,” DBoer said. “So we were fortunate and looking forward to have an opportunity to close this out at home.”

Devils 5, Rangers 3 -- Game 5 NHL Eastern Conference Finals: John Tortorella Reaction

New York Rangers coach John Tortorella said after Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals that he felt the Rangers “probably played our best game of the series tonight."

Unfortunately for Tortorella and the Rangers their “best game” was a 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils. That leaves New York in a 3-2 hole and facing elimination Friday night at New Jersey’s Prudential Center.

The Rangers climbed out of a 3-0 hole less than 10 minutes into the game to draw even at 3-3 early in the third period. They could not complete the comeback, however.

“We’ve been through it before,” Tortorella said. “And I know the guys are‑‑ it’s a hard one to lose the way we lost tonight, crawling back into it, but we’ll go through our day tomorrow. We’ll regroup. And, again, I have tremendous amount of confidence in how we’ll react to this.”

Tortorella said he “felt when we tied it, we stopped making plays.”

The Rangers have now lost the last two games to the Devils, and their season will be on the line Friday night in New Jersey.

“We’ve been here before,” Tortorella said. “We were here before earlier in the Playoffs. And so we’ll just take the next game. It’s all we’re looking for is our next game.”

Rangers Eastern Conference Final Game 5 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

Despite rallying back from a 3-0 deficit, the New York Rangers dropped Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final to the New Jersey Devils, 5-3, on Wednesday night. In 19 playoff games, the Rangers have lost consecutively twice and this one ended their 11-game pattern of alternating wins and losses. More importantly, it put them in a 3-2 hole in the series.

For yet another game this series, New York started slowly -- and this time very sloppily -- and immediately sank to a 2-0 hole within the first 4 minutes 13 seconds. Coach John Tortorella called a timeout, the Ranges were able to regroup, but Travis Zajac salted New York's wounds at the 9:49 mark. Brandon Prust would find the net with less than five minutes remaining in the period, as the Rangers ratched up their play from that point forward, scoring twice more (Ryan Callahan 32 seconds into the second and Marian Gaborik 17 seconds into the third).

However, Ryan Carter took the air out of the Rangers' comeback efforts, beating Henrik Lundqvist with 4:24 left in the game (Zach Parise had the empty-netter).

Even in such a dispiriting loss, there remains a lot of good and, of course, bad in this game. So let's take a look at what stood out in Game 5.

What Went Wrong

First 4 Minutes, 13 Seconds: We haven't typically started off this column with the 'bad' first, but this is a game in which the 'bad' led to the 'good' so we'll kick it off this way. In a matter of 4:13, the Rangers went down by two goals. The Devils ran the pace, causing a few defensive lapses for the Rangers, and a quick two-goal setback. The Rangers just couldn't find their footing. New York may only be down 3-2 in the series, but in all five games, they've started out slowly. The past two games, it's caught up with them. The Devils may have scored five minutes later to make it 3-0, but after Tortorella's timeout following the second goal, the Rangers found their legs and dominated.

Henrik Lundqvist: He wasn't tested often, but when he was asked to come up with a big save, he rarely did so. Two goals in 4:13. Granted, the defense didn't help, but Lundqvist has bailed them out before. Then, Zajac's long-range marker at the 9:49 mark after the Rangers had started to gain some traction. That far-post goal was one that has to be corralled, and it left one thinking whether Lundqvist would make it out of the first period. He allowed three goals on six shots. We've been so used to Lundqvist making the stellar saves that even the fourth goal off of a corner feed to the slot that was given up was something he's kicked aside countless times before. King Henrik is the reason the Rangers are even in this series, don't get me wrong. But he needs to better than making 12 saves on 16 shots.

Carl Hagelin: Come back to tie it. You're on the ice at the end of the third period (meaning you're defensively responsible), having already seen shifts with the fourth line and your ice time cut to 13 minutes for the game. Michael Del Zotto takes a hit with the puck in the corner, then Dan Girardi goes for the hit on Stephen Gionta instead of going stick-on-puck. The puck slides out into the slot, but Hagelin doesn't get back in time, and Ryan Carter scores the game-winner. The back-checking effort was weak from a player that I defended in the Game 5 recap. Hagelin has three points in the playoffs. He's known as a speed/hustle player. He didn't do it here at a crucial time.

What Went Right

Tortorella's timeout, plus rally: The Rangers went down by two early, Tortorella called a timeout and the Rangers thoroughly dominated the Devils for the rest of the game, until the final few minutes, after that point. Even in the playoffs, a 3-0 deficit not even midway through the first period is one that will cause many to cave. New York hadn't exactly been a scoring machine, so there's no way it could come back from three down, right? Wrong. The Blueshirts battled back, scoring once in the first and once in each of the next two periods, with multiple chances to get more.

Ryan Callahan: Callahan may have had a suspect goal after Artem Anisimov's pass defelected off of his skate, but his overall play was one of the highlights. He was the most involved he's been all series, wreaking havoc in front of the net, tallying six hits and making a number of great plays on defense. He may only have three goals in the postseason (one an empty-netter), but this was as close to the Callahan as we've seen all season. In fact, the line of Artem Anisimov, Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky deserves a lot of praise as all of those guys played very well. Dubinsky had an impactful return, and that bodes well for Game 6. Anisimov played a series-high 19:16, his battle level was high and he asserted himself offensively.

Overall vibe: Disappointment is the word echoed from Rangers' fans and players. Stealing a game is probably the line used from the Devils side. To come back from three goals down, tie it and lose in the final minutes is never easy. Even in a loss, I believe this was the Rangers' best game. It was a close to a complete one as they've played all series, dictating pace and taking it to the Devils' defense. They were fast, played desperate and created a number of scoring opportunities. They allowed only 16 shots on goal, while getting 28 on Martin Brodeur. If you didn't see the score and just judged on the quality of play, one would've guessed that New York prevailed, easily. It's a game to build from, no matter how much the loss stings.

New Jersey Devils Game Five Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

The New Jersey Devils stole Game 5.

New Jersey blew a three goal lead, but Ryan Carter scored the game-winning goal late in the third period as the Devils defeated the New York Rangers, 5-3, in what could be the defining game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Devils didn't deserve a win in the game. After opening the first 10 minutes of the game with goals from Stephen Gionta, Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac, New York took over. They scored the next three goals over two-plus periods, eliminating the Devils forecheck and dominating play. At one point during the second period, the Rangers were outshooting the Devils by a 2-to-1 margin.

It took a defensive breakdown by the Rangers to score the game-winning goal. Carter, coming off the bench, snuck into the offensive zone as Ilya Kovalchuk started the forecheck. Gionta, down low with Kovalchuk, took the loose puck and fired it through the legs of Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi, who moments before lifted his stick out of the passing lane. Gionta's pass found Carter at the front of the net, and he one-timed it by Henrik Lundqvist for his third goal of the postseason.

New Jersey can punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals in Game 6. That game will be Friday night at the Prudential Center.

There was a lot to like from the Devils win, but plenty to dislike as well. They got lucky, and stole a game at Madison Square Garden. Here's what went right, and what went wrong, for New Jersey in Game 5:

What Went Right

The Fourth Line

Here was the stat line for the Devils fourth line tonight:

• Stephen Gionta: 9:49 ice time, 1g, 1a, 1 shot
• Ryan Carter: 7:44 ice time, 1g, 2 shots
• Steve Bernier: 9:07 ice time, 1a

That's incredible production from a line that went quite after the first round win over the Florida Panthers. The fourth line accounted for almost half of the Devils goals, including the game-winner, and kept them going when the other three lines failed. They were the most consistent group, and Devils coach Peter DeBoer rewarded them with important minutes late in the game. Gionta was even double-shifted during the final period.

The Devils depth has been a strength all season long, and it showed tonight. No team expects the fourth line to carry them, especially in the playoffs. But that's exactly what these three did tonight, and it shows the advantage in depth New Jersey has over the Rangers.

Martin Brodeur

By no means was this game a pretty one for the Devils netminder. Brodeur finished with 25 saves on 28 shots, an .893 save percentage. It was the first time he allowed three goals since May 3, the Devils third game of its second round series against the Philadelphia Flyers. The game-tying goal came from an odd-angle shot that got tangled up in his skates. He did, however, make the big saves when he needed to. He stoned Chris Kreider in the slot during the third period, keeping the game tied. He also made a glove save on a point shot, then dove to his right to cover the open net and take an opportunity away from Ryan Callahan. That save also came with the game tied.

On a night when Lundqvist wasn't much better, the game came down to what goalie could make key saves at key moments. Brodeur did that, and while the fans in MSG had plenty to cheer about, he got the last laugh.

Adam Henrique

Henrique made his impact felt tonight, recording an assist on the Elias goal and making several nice plays in all three zones. On the Elias goal, the rookie shot the puck from the point, forcing Lundqvist to leave a rebound. The puck eventually worked its way off Artem Anisimov and into the back of the net, giving the Devils a two-goal cushion in the first period. He also made a nice defensive play in the second period, racing back after a turnover to tip a centering pass into the netting. He's had his growing pains, including a brief demotion to the fourth line tonight. Overall, he's continued to produce, and is a solid anchor on the team's second line.

The first ten minutes of the game....

New Jersey played well during those first 10 minutes, coming out with an aggressive forecheck. They took advantage of a shaky Lundqvist, and netted three goals. Then, they sat back for the almost two periods, allowing New York to take it to them. Which leads me to my next point...

...The last five minutes of the game

The Devils started playing better at the halfway point of the final period, but this is where they turned things around. The aggressive forecheck returned, and when they took the lead, they continued to attack. New York didn't get another great opportunity to score, and Zach Parise iced the win with an empty-net tally.

What Went Wrong

The middle of the game

New Jersey fell into the same trap as they did earlier in the playoffs, when they jumped out to a 3-0 lead on the Panthers. Instead of maintaining their aggressive play, they sat back and let New York dictate the pace. A few mental errors along the way, and it's a 3-3 game just 17 seconds into the third period. No team can afford to play that way in the playoffs. Somehow New Jersey managed to hold out for the win, but it was a lucky victory. The Rangers had all of the opportunities for most of the game, and for the first time in the series thoroughly dominated the Devils.

The MSG Glass

No goalie should venture out of his crease at MSG. Pucks take all kinds of funny hops off the glass, and it gave both teams great scoring opportunities in this game.

Brodeur's Trapezoid Gaffe

If these playoffs have proved one thing, it's that the trapezoid was installed to thwart Brodeur's puck-handling. It sure gave a huge assist to the Rangers tonight. At the start of the period, Brodeur moved to the right side of his crease to play a loose puck. It rolled just too far, crossing over the "no-play" line right before Brodeur could touch it. As he scrambled back into the open crease, Marian Gaborik fired the puck into Brodeur's skates. It led to the game-tying goal, and put one on the blooper reel for Brodeur.

Callahan's Goal

This was a tough one to judge. Ryan Callahan scored New York's second goal of the game, coming toward the net and deflecting the puck in with his skate. On the replay, it shows Callahan picking up his skate, putting it back on the ice and turning it as the puck comes into the crease. He wasn't making an attempt to stop, and could have been flagged for kicking in the puck. Devils fans will remember earlier this season, when Parise had a potential game-tying goal waved off for a "distinct kicking motion" that was much less than that. In the playoffs, those are always tough calls. But it sure looked like it could have met the requirements for a no goal. For a better look, check out the replay.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Ryan Carter Goal Helps New Jersey To 5-3 Win

The New Jersey Devils used two late goals to snap a tie and pick up a 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals. The Devils own a 3-2 series lead and head back to New Jersey for Game 6.

Ryan Carter got the puck in front of the net with just over five minutes to play in the game and knocked it past Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. It was his third goal of the playoffs. Zach Parise found an empty net with less than a minute to play for his seventh goal of the playoffs this year.

The Devils took a 3-0 lead before the game was 10 minutes old on goals by Stephen Gionta, Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac. The Rangers got within 3-1 late in the period on a goal by Brandon Prust.

New York came alive in the second period, pushing their way around the offensive zone. Ryan Callahan tipped in a shot just 32 seconds into the second period to get the Rangers within 3-2. New York dominated play in the period, getting 11 shots to New Jersey's five, but could not get the equalizer.

The Rangers got even just 17 seconds into the final period on a goal by Marian Gaborik. The Rangers controlled play for much of the period until Carter's stunning score gave New Jersey its winning margin with 4:24 to play.

Martin Brodeur stopped 25 shots for New Jersey. Lundqvist faced only 16 shots, saving 12, for New York.

Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night at 8 p.m. in New Jersey. The Devils will be looking to close out the series and head to the Stanley Cup Finals to face the Los Angeles Kings.

For more on the Rangers vs. Devils NHL Playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust has all your commentary and discussion on the Eastern Conference Final.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Controversial Ryan Callahan Cuts New Jersey's Edge, 3-2

Was it the leg or the skate? The refs said that the puck deflected off New York Rangers' forward Ryan Callahan's leg rather than his skate in the second period to give the Rangers their second goal of the game. That cut further into the New Jersey Devils' two-goal lead to make it 3-2 after two periods of play.

You see the controversial goal in the image below and decide for yourself.

via assets.sbnation.com

via assets.sbnation.com

It was a far more aggressive Rangers team on the ice in the second period. New York spent more time in the offensive zone, and put 11 shots on net compared to just 5 for New Jersey.

For more on the Rangers vs. Devils NHL Playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust has all your commentary and discussion on the Eastern Conference Final.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: New Jersey Jumps Out To 3-1 Lead After 1st Period

Trouble started early for the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils. A disciplined Devils team continued to use an aggressive forecheck to post a 3-1 lead after the first period of play.

The Devils struck early, scoring twice within the first five minutes of the game. Left alone in the front of the net, Stephen Gionta backhanded a shot past Henrik Lundqvist for the first goal, which happened just under the three-minute mark. Patrick Elias scored next. Camped out in front of the net, Elias deflected a shot that Adam Henrique fired from the blue line.

New Jersey scored again six minutes later when Travis Zajac fired a bullet from the top of the right circle that went inside the left crossbar. Bryce Salvador picked up an assist on the goal, which could be a good sign for the Devils who have yet to lose a playoff game when Salvador records a point.

The Rangers got on the board with a late goal. Brandon Prust, back in the lineup on Wednesday night, picked up a loose puck and fired it past Brodeur.

For more on the Rangers vs. Devils NHL Playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust has all your commentary and discussion on the Eastern Conference Final.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils Game 5: Brandon Dubinsky Likely To Play For New York

The New York Rangers could be getting a lineup boost for Wednesday's Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 against the Devils. Rangers center Brandon Dubinsky reportedly left the morning skate with the starters after full participation in the skate (via NHL.com).

Dubinsky has been listed as day-to-day with a leg injury and hasn't played a game since April 26 during the series against the Ottawa Senators. In that game on April 26, Dubinsky recorded his only assist of the playoffs. In seven games during the 2012 NHL Playoffs, Dubinsky has one assist, 11 shots and 14 penalty minutes. He had 10 goals, 24 assists and 110 penalty minutes during the regular season.

Brandon Prust will definitely return after serving a one-game suspension. He will replace Stu Bickel. If Dubinsky can return, he could take over for John Mitchell and help the Rangers on face-offs.

The Devils have not announced any lineup changes for Game 5.

For more on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to keep it here on SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Devils Discipline Starting To Crack Rangers

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils Game 5: Peter DeBoer Press Conference

Asked about his shouting match with New York Rangers coach John Tortorella during Game 4 of the 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Finals on Monday, New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer said “I think emotion takes over … took offense at what happened on the ice, and ”http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=79765" target="new">that was my outlet, right or wrong."

DeBoer’s Devils won 4-1 Monday, knotting the best-of-seven series at 2-2. Game 5 is Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden (8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network). Thus far in the series the teams have alternated victories.

“I think the one thing we’ve learned with these playoffs is momentum hasn’t played a role, I don’t think, in either team’s series, when you look back over the three rounds,” DeBoer said.“So we just want to keep doing what we’re doing. We feel that if we stick to our game plan, that whether we play on the road or at home, that good things will happen.”

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils Game 5: John Tortorella Will 'Pray' For Offense

Through four games of the 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Finals goals have been tough to come by for the New York Rangers. Among the Rangers top six regular-season scorers, only Ryan Callahan has a goal against in the series against the New Jersey Devils. And that was an empty-netter.

So, what is New York head coach John Tortorella going to do about the lack of offense, especially from his stars?

“Pray. I don’t know what else to tell you. We’re going to keep on trying to play, pray, and hopefully something good happens to them,” Tortorella said Tuesday.

Tortorella did, however, reiterate a point he has been making recently — that his team needs to do a better job with the puck.

“I think the series right now is that we’re simply not‑‑ we don’t have the puck enough. Jersey has the puck a lot more minutes than we do. I think that’s something we need to try to change,” Tortorella said. “It’s a combination of a number of things. It’s getting out of your end clean. It’s holding on to pucks in their end when they have opportunities.t comes just within your play. So there’s no one particular thing. But it has been a series so far of them having the puck a lot more than we have.”

2012 NHL Playoffs: Winner Of Devils And Rangers Will Face Los Angeles Kings

And then there were three.

After last nights very controversial ending to Game Five of the Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Kings are locked into their second Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

The Kings will now wait and watch with the rest of us to see who their opponent will be, either the New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils.

Los Angeles is an eight seed but is playing like anything but in this postseason. The Kings have been an unstoppable force of nature thus far, scorching through each series. They took care of the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues and Phoenix Coyotes in five, four and five games respectively.

Perhaps most impressive, they're yet to lose on the road with a perfect 8-0 mark.

Whomever comes out of the East will have home-ice advantage, whether or not they want it. Either team is very capable of beating Los Angeles, but will need to play its best.

Jonathan Quick is the best goaltender nobody seems to know about. He's every bit the equal of Henrik Lundqvist just with less notoriety.

Either the Devils or Rangers will also be familiar with a pair of Kings' forwards in Mike Richards and Ryan Carter, who used to wear Philadelphia's colors.

It should be fascinating to watch as it all unfolds in the coming days.

For more on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, be sure to keep it here on SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils Game 5: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The New York Rangers better hope that history continues to repeat itself in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night (8 p.m. EST, NBCSN) at Madison Square Garden. Not only have the Rangers alternated wins and losses for 11 games in a row, they've spoken ad nauseum that one game's result doesn't carry over the next.

After the Devils dominated Game 4 with a 4-1 win, New York has to hope that's true. New Jersey, just like it has for most of this series, came out with energy New York could not match, this time scoring twice in the first period, unlike Game 3 when Henrik Lundqvist stole the win for the Rangers. The fast start set the pace, and the Rangers were unable to generate any modicum of offense, getting thoroughly outplayed in the loss.

The encouraging thing for the Rangers is that the series is tied at two games apiece. It's also become a best-of-three series with them controlling home ice. But even with the series even, New Jersey, by a good margin, has been the better team. The Rangers have been opportunistic with most of their goals, reliant on defense and living and dying by Lundqvist's play in net. That's similar to the recipe of success they've used all season, though scoring has been harder to come by and they really use some production from their top-six forwards, not named Chris Kreider. Too much of their offense has been "one and done," as they've failed to win enough puck battles to sustain any zone time. That makes their chances for a wins totally hinged on Lundqvist.

For the Devils, the game plan should be the same: use their forecheck to wear down their opponent, thereby creating more offensive chances and causing headaches for the Rangers in exiting the zone. New Jersey has proven that it is balanced -- and captain Zach Parise has found his game after a three-point night -- and can roll all four lines on the ice and get some sort of contribution. It has also showed that it can combat New York's cycling style, by winning the battles along the boards and transitioning quickly of their own zone. Though the Rangers did not score on their power play chance in Game 4, the Devils should do them no favors by being undisciplined -- New Jersey has been the better team five-on-five -- as New York has gone 4-for-11 on the man advantage.

NHL Playoffs: Rangers and Devils Set for Game 5 of Heated Eastern Conference Finals Series (via sbnation)

NBC's Paul McGuire Overhears Shouting Match Between John Tortorella And Peter DeBoer

2012 NHL Playoffs, Devils Vs. Rangers: No Discipline Expected For Game 4 Hits

None of the hits during a physical Game 4 between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers will be looked at by the NHL league office for penalty, reports Tim Gulitti of NorthJersey.com's Fire and Ice.

Gulitti writes that an elbow by Rangers forward Marian Gaborik on Marek Zidlicky in the second period should have been deemed a penalty, but that and Ilya Kovalchuk's spearing of Ryan Callahan will go unpunished by the NHL.

New Jersey scored twice on Henrik Lundqvist in the opening period of Monday night's Game 4, Martin Brodeur compiled 28 saves on 29 shots, and the Devils earned a 4-1 victory that evened the series at two games apiece.

For more on the Ravers vs. Devils NHL Playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust has all your commentary and discussion on the Eastern Conference Final.

Devils Vs. Rangers, 2012 NHL Playoffs: Did New Jersey Find The Answer For Henrik Lundqvist?

The New York Rangers have an issue with taking commanding series leads and the best example of that was Monday, when the Blueshirt were beaten handily by the New Jersey Devils, 4-1, In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. The victory for the Devils helped them tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Overall, the results were really good for the SB Nation blog In Lou We Trust, who thinks the Devils may have found a way to stop Rangers' goaltender Henrik Lundqvist:

Tonight, the Devils wailed on the Rangers in terms of hockey and finally solved Lundqvist. The Rangers' response was to get chippy, to get nasty, and they end up receiving with a trip back to MSG with a loss. I'd call that a decisive result.

Meanwhile, the Rangers' blog, Blueshirt Banter, says to take command of the series now, New York needs to win it:

Here is one of the most compelling stats of these playoffs (Carp was tweeting it during the game): With an opportunity to take a two-game lead in the playoffs the Rangers are 0-7. 0-for-7. And now if they want to take a two-game series lead against the New Jersey Devils they need to win the series 4-2.

Game 5 will be played Wednesday night at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.

For more on the Ravers vs. Devils NHL Playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust has all your commentary and discussion on the Eastern Conference Final.

Devils 4, Rangers 1: Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game Reaction [VIDEO]

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been virtually impenetrable throughout much of the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Monday night, however, in a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals Lundqvist was not as sharp, surrendering three goals. He called it a "disappointing game overall."

They got a good start and we could never really get going," Lundqvist said. "It's happened a few times in the playoffs here. Started the game on our heels a little bit."

The best-of-seven series is now knotted at 2-2 with Game 5 set for Wednesday night (8 p.m. ET) at Madison Square Garden.

We're really disappointed right now not being able to come back with another big one," Lundqvist said. "We just have to forget about it and move on. It's down to three games. Now it's time to just do it."

-- See Blueshirt Banter for more on the Rangers and In Lou We Trust for more on the Devils

Devils 4, Rangers 1: Peter DeBoer Post-Game Reaction [VIDEO]

In a game they badly needed to win, the New Jersey Devils outplayed the New York Rangers right from the beginning. The Devils jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period of Game 4 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals, ending up with a 4-1 victory that knotted the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Devils coach Peter DeBoer thought that quick start was the key for his team.

"Our guys responded with a big effort. I thought right from the drop of the puck, we executed our game plan and played on our toes," DeBoer said. "I thought we put some pressure on early, and it looked like it was going to be more of the same from the night before. We had some quality chances early. Couldn't get one by him. But obviously the first one was a big one. Kind of lifted a weight off us, and I thought we played a little bit looser and a little bit freer from then on."

See the video below for DeBoer's press conference, and see ASAP Sports for the full transcript.

-- See In Lou We Trust for more on the Devils, and Blueshirt Banter for more on the Rangers

Devils 4, Rangers 1: John Tortorella Post-Game Reaction [VIDEO]

After watching his New York Rangers get dismantled by the New Jersey Devils, 4-1, in Game 4 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals it might have been reasonable to expect the usually short with the media Rangers coach John Tortorella to be terse in his post-game reaction. Surprisingly, Tortorella was fairly expansive in his answers after watching the Devils knot the best-of-seven series, 2-2.

A fairly compliant Tortorella bristled only when asked about his in-game shouting match with Devils coach Peter DeBoer, saying "I'm not going to answer any questions on that."

In reference to his team's performance in Game 4 Tortorella was primarily concerned about his team's propensity for turning the puck over in its own end.

"We have to hold on to some pucks. We had opportunities. We had the yips with us. We just gave it back to them, and they just progressed with their forecheck and momentum comes their way," Tortorella said. "It was a struggle for a number of our guys. But we have to move by it. We have to have a short‑term memory."

See the full interview below. You can read the full interview transcript at ASAP Sports.

Rangers Eastern Conference Final Game 4 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

Just as they had for the previous 10 contests, the New York Rangers continued to alternate wins and losses in the playoffs, falling to the New Jersey Devils in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final 4-1. The series is now knotted at two games apiece and sure to be yet another long one for New York; they've played 18 games to this point in the playoffs.

The Devils came out flying in the first period, scoring twice, and that early fury set the tone, as the Rangers didn't score (Ruslan Fedotenko) until 14:55 of the third period on a goal that made the game 3-1.

There wasn't a lot that went right for the Rangers in Game 4, which is very discouraging, but we'll try to pick out the good and the bad from this loss, the first game New York has allowed four goals in the entire playoffs.

Game 5 is set for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

What Went Right

Carl Hagelin: There was some talk on Twitter that Carl Hagelin should be the one to sit once (and if) Brandon Dubinsky is ready to play for Game 5, but I think this was Hagelin's best game of the series. Granted, he has three assists in 15 games in the playoffs and he only had one shot on goal in this one, but he was around the puck a lot in this game. He was using his speed to chase down pucks all night, creating a few of what were very limited Rangers chances. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that he took two penalties in the third period after the Rangers had gotten on the board, which certainly isn't the discipline you're looking for late in a game. But you can generally tell what coach John Tortorella feels about a player's effort through his ice time; Hagelin played a series-high 17:55. The rookie has shown flashes this season, and it's very much a long grind, but I think he's close to finding his game.

Mike Rupp: OK, so his punch to Martin Brodeur after he took a roughing penalty in the third period wasn't something to be proud of, but Rupp also received the second-most minutes he's played in the entire playoffs at 9:20. Don't get me wrong, it's never a great sign when your fourth-line bruiser is one of the highlights of a game, but Rupp was one of the few Rangers to take the puck to the net. He was involved, and he got time in the third period because Tortorella recognized that. His hit on Peter Harrold wasn't as bad as it looked, in my opinion, and to be frank, the physicality was nice to see because down 3-0, the Rangers lacked life. Rupp's job isn't to dance around the arena and snipe goals. His job is to create energy with his hitting (and fighting). This game seemed out of hand already just based on the score, so there wasn't harm in starting up some rough stuff, even if his shot to Brodeur was on the "cheap" side. The Rangers haven't shown nearly enough of an edge in this series, but their big man tried to spark a little something tonight.

Ruslan Fedotenko: I'm really grasping at straws here, but Fedotenko gets the nod after he scored his first goal of the playoffs in the third period, ending Brodeur's shutout bid. He also played a postseason-high 16:27, which isn't necessarily a good thing purely because it means the team's best players weren't getting the job done.

What Went Wrong

Michael Del Zotto: One could go in all different directions for the 'bad' in this game, but for brevity's sake we'll have to stick with just three. It was confirmed after the game that Del Zotto had a death in the family (his grandmother) over the weekend, and the Rangers have to hope that was a reason his play was reminiscent of when he was sent to the AHL last season. Of course, our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Del Zotto played only 11:39, played one shift in the second period and got back on the ice for a few shifts later in the third. He looked all out of sorts in this one, fanning on a hit on Zach Parise (when he probably should've avoided attempting it), which led to a two-on-one goal and he also had a pass on the power play that he decided to flick back-handed laterally instead of dumping it in the zone, and that led to a high-quality odd-man rush chance. He looked totally lost on the ice, but Tortorella is confident that he will "bounce back" in the next one.

Slow Start: The Rangers were bound to get burned by starting a step slow, and it happened in this game. In fact, the Devils pretty much steamrolled them early on, similar to Game 3, only this time Henrik Lundqvist couldn't bail them out. This is extremely disconcerting. These are playoff games and New York is having trouble matching the intensity level of its opponent. This time, the Devils scored twice in the first period and that set the tone for the rest of the game, a game in which the Rangers really were never in from that point forward.

Overall vibe from the first four games: Yes, the series is tied. Should the Rangers feel fortunate that it is? I'd have to say yes. I don't think the Rangers have dictacted the pace enough in any game of this series. They've been opportunistic, yes. They've relied on some good play on defense (a good part of Game 4 not withstanding). And they've leaned on Lundqvist to give them a chance. But altogether, the Devils have been the big bully and the Rangers have been chasing them around way too much. Tortorella made the point in-game and in his post-game press conference: the group needs to have the puck more. It sounds simple and cliche, but they can't generate nearly enough offense -- most of it's one-and-done -- because they are getting out-possessioned and clearly aren't winning enough puck battles or forcing enough turnovers to get those chances. It's now a best-of-three and the Rangers need to find a way to improve -- and fast. It probably starts with more desperation, something they've displayed a bit of in the third periods in this series, but has been missing way too often in general.

New Jersey Devils Game 4 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

In yet another must win game, the New Jersey Devils stepped up and dominated their opponent.

New Jersey scored four goals en route to a 4-1 win over the rival New York Rangers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight at the Prudential Center. The win ties the series, 2-2, with Game 5 Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Devils controlled play from the beginning, beating Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist twice in the first period. They got another by him in the third, making it the second time in the series New Jersey has scored at least three goals. Zach Parise led all scorers, recording three points (2g, 1a). Martin Brodeur turned away 28 of 29 shots, and even made postseason history.

New Jersey will look to take their first lead in the series Wednesday. Here's what went right and what went wrong in their Game 5 win:

What Went Right

Martin Brodeur

Maybe it's redundant by now, but Martin Brodeur is playing some fantastic hockey. He turned away several quality scoring chances tonight. He lost his shutout bid on a soft goal by Ruslan Fedetenko, but was there time and time again to deny the Rangers scorers. There was his snag of a Marian Gaborik wrist shot in the second period, keeping New York off the board. Then, with under three minutes left in the final period, Brodeur made a twisting save on Carl Hagelin's attempt near the crease, brushing the puck onto the top of the net and out of harm's way.

Brodeur also showed composure outside of making extraordinary saves. With New York down, 3-0, in the third period, Rangers coach John Tortorella sent out Mike Rupp. He ran around the Devils defensive zone, crashing into Peter Harrold and eventually drawing a penalty. After the whistle was blown, he skated to the front of the net, and punched Brodeur in the chest. The "sucker punch," as Brodeur called it, led to a major skirmish and three players getting misconducts. Brodeur calmly took the punch, and didn't retaliate. In the playoffs, where his head coach has preached discipline, the Devils goalie embodied it.

He also set yet another record tonight. Brodeur, credited for an assist on Parise's empty-net goal, has four assists this postseason. That is a single season high.

Zach Parise

It only took him four games, but Parise found a way to make his presence felt tonight. The Devils captain had countless opportunities, and always seemed to make the right play. He started the 2-on-1 break, eventually feeding Travis Zajac for New Jersey's second goal of the first period. In the third period he found the back of the net, going to the front of the net on the powerplay and stashing a rebound between the legs of Lundqvist for a goal. He'd add an empty-net tally later in the period to seal the victory. In just under 19 minutes of ice time, Parise finished with three points and five shots. His line combined for five points, and scored two of the three goals.

Bryce Salvador

Sometimes you're good, and sometimes you're lucky. Bryce Salvador is a little bit of both in these playoffs. In 15 games, he has nine points, matching his total from the regular season. His first period goal - his third of the postseason - gave New Jersey an early lead and helped them take control early. Salvador was an unfortunate victim of some unlucky bounces earlier in the series, but he's been one of the best defenders all season long. Sometimes a team gets unexpected contributions from places in the lineup. The Devils can count on Salvador to play solid defensively. They'll take the offense he's producing as well.

Peter DeBoer and staff

The Devils get shut out in Game 3, and DeBoer makes changes to his lineup. On the outside, it was seen as a panic move. For DeBoer and company, it was pushing the right buttons. Rookie Jacob Josefson played well in his postseason debut, anchoring an effective energy unit for New Jersey. The Devils dominated for most of the game, and his new line combinations worked to perfection. When Rupp went after Brodeur in the third period, DeBoer defended his players, walking over to the bench to yell at Tortorella. DeBoer has given the Devils a gameplan of success, and for most of this series New Jersey has executed better than New York. When it fails, DeBoer and his staff make the necessary changes. Credit DeBoer and company for putting together a gameplan that has stymied and frustrated the Rangers.

The Devils Fans

The Devils attendance is a running joke during the regular season. When the Rangers come into town, their fans always show strong support. But in the two home games, the crowd was loud, and the Rock continued to be a tough place for opponents to play. Fans responded to each goal by loudly chanting "Henrik, Henrik," and a "Marty's Better" chant even came through in the third period. MSG will always be an absolutely fantastic sports atmosphere. But Devils fans made a statement during the two games, and showed that there is support for the team.

What Went Wrong

The Powerplay

Granted, many of the Devils opportunities came when they were already ahead 3-0, but the powerplay failed to once again generate much offense. Parise's goal notwithstanding, the Devils couldn't really find those soft areas of the Rangers defense. They move the puck well along the outside, but New York continued to do a good job of shutting down the shooting lanes and blocking shots. When it was all said and done, New Jersey was just 1-for-6 with the man advantage. Those numbers need to improve.

Ilya Kovalchuk's Spear

The Devils preach discipline, and Brodeur served as an example of what the coaching staff wants to see. Kovalchuk serves as an example of what not to do. Down on the ice in the second period, Kovalchuk responded to a Ryan Callahan face-wash by spearing him with his stick. Both players were sent off, but it showed a rare moment when a Devils forward wasn't disciplined. The Devils can't get dragged into post-whistle scrums, and this was one slip-up that should have been avoided.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 4: New Jersey Wins 4-1, Ties Series 2-2

The New Jersey Devils beat the New York Rangers, 4-1, in Game 4 of the 2012 NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night. The win ties the series, 2-2, with Game 5 headed back to Madison Square Garden after two games at New Jersey's Prudential Center.

Martin Brodeur faced 28 shots on the night, turning back 27. Henrik Lundqvist, coming off a 36-save shutout, had 26 saves off 29 shots on goal. For the night, the Devils barely out shot the Rangers, 30 to 28.

The Devils took a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to goals by Bryce Salvador and Travis Zajac. Zach Parise took over from there, scoring twice in the third period. He finished with three points on the night after assisting on Zajac's sixth goal of the postseason. Parise scored on a powerplay and an empty net.

The Rangers' lone goal came in the third period with just over five minutes remaining in regulation. Ruslan Fedotenko scored his first goal of the postseason with assists from Brad Richards and Michael Del Zotto.

Things got testy in the third period when Mike Rupp took a shot at an unwitting Brodeur, causing a brief brawl among the players and a shouting match between Rangers coach John Tortorella and Devils coach Peter DeBoer from their respective benches.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 4: Mike Rupp Leaves Game After Roughing Martin Brodeur

Mike Rupp's night is finished after he picked up 14 minutes in penalties for roughing Martin Brodeur and participating in the melee that ensued during the third period of Game 4 of the 2012 NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. Rupp lit up Peter Harrold behind the Devils' net, and as he came back around front he gave Brodeur an unfriendly shove to the face causing a brawl.

With less than 14 minutes remaining in the game, Rupp's 10-minute game misconduct and two minor penalties essentially amounted to an ejection. It is not surprising that things finally got out of hand in the series considering the bad blood that was displayed between the two teams during the regular season.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 4: New Jersey Still Leads, 2-0, After 2nd Period

The New Jersey Devils still hold a 2-0 lead over the New York Rangers after the second period in Game 4 of the 2012 NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night. The Rangers out shot the Devils 11-9 in the period, but struggled to get quality shots off.

The shutout is still on for Martin Brodeur, who now has 18 saves on the night. Brad Richards put the most heat on the Devils net, picking up three shots on goal during the period. Henrik Lundqvist has turned back 19 of 21 shots faced for the Rangers.

Ryan Callahan and Ilya Kovalchuk earned simultaneous roughing and slashing penalties, respectively, with just under five minutes to go in the period. Only Anton Stalman was able to get a shot on goal between the two teams during the two-minute period of 4-on-4 hockey, forcing a Brodeur save.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 4: New Jersey Leads 2-0 After 1st Period

The New Jersey Devils lead the New York Rangers, 2-0, after the first period in Game 4 of the 2012 NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night. The Devils have out shot the Rangers by a significant margin, 12 to seven.

Martin Brodeur is pitching a shutout, though he hasn't faced much pressure. Henrik Lundqvist had 36 saves in his Game 3 shutout. He has stopped 10 shots so far while letting in two goals.

Bryce Salvador scored his third goal of the postseason to put the Devils on the board. He had none during the regular season in 82 games played. Travis Zajac put the Devils up 2-0 at the 11:59 mark off an assist from Zach Parise.

Both teams are 0-for-1 on powerplay chances. Adam Henrique and Ryan McDonagh drew offsetting five-minute major penalties for fighting just before the midpoint of the period.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

It's Not Panic Mode: Devils Deficit Not As Large As It Seems

2012 NHL Playoffs, Devils Vs. Rangers Game 4: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

Hockey is the rare sport that one team can thoroughly dominate the other and still fall short, case in point Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final. The ice was tilted in the New Jersey Devils' favor for the first two periods, the 26-14 shot advantage over the New York Rangers doesn't even do their advantage justice.

But when you have a goalie of Henrik Lundqvist's caliber, you can struggle for large portions of the game and still come out on top. The Rangers did just that, finding their game later in the second and capitalizing for two goals (the last one was an empty-netter) in the final frame for the 3-0 win and 2-1 series lead, as Lundqvist recorded his second shutout of the Devils in this series on 36 saves.

In Game 4 on Monday night at 8 p.m. EST at Prudential Center, the Devils hope to create the kind of chances they did in Game 3. Even though they've switched up their lines and split up Ilya Kovalchuk (now second line) and Zach Parise, moving Dainius Zubrus to the top line, New Jersey ultimately needs to find ways to cash in on those chances by finding more close-range opportunities and getting traffic in front. They've also got to convert on their power play opportunities; they didn't do that in five chances in Game 3 and are 1-for-12 in the entire series. The Devils have gotten great goaltending in this series, despite being on the short end in two games. Martin Brodeur has made a number of spectacular stops, he just hasn't been tested as much as his counterpart.

The Rangers, on the other hand, need to find their legs earlier in this contest to get their offense going, something they really haven't done much of in this series. They're very lucky that Lundqvist has been on his game or else this series' advantage could be leaning the other way. New York hopes that Ryan Callahan gets going again; he had the empty-netter in Game 3. Its best forward in the series has been rookie Chris Kreider, who has scored five times in the playoffs. Dan Girardi, typically the defensive stalwart, leads all blueliners in the playoffs in points with 11, and he has two game-winning goals in the Eastern Conference final. Ultimately, the blue collar club will rely on its defense and shot-blocking to get the job done, but it needs to generate more consistent offense early on in contests to seize the momentum of this entire series.

New York has not had a 3-1 series lead in any of these playoffs; the Devils have also not been down by that margin, either.

Brandon Prust will sit this one out, receiving a one-game ban for his elbow to the back of Anton Volchenkov's head in the second period. Brandon Dubinsky (foot injury) resumed skating with the team Sunday, but it's unclear if he'll be ready, meaning the Blueshirts could go with Steve Eminger or Stu Bickel as a forward on the fourth line, something they've done a few times this season.

Brandon Prust Suspension: New York Rangers Forward Suspended For Game 4 Vs. Devils, According To Report

New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust has been suspended for Monday's Game 4 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils, according to a report (via Eye On Hockey). Prust elbowed Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov during the second period of Game 3 of the series at the Prudential Center. NHL VP of player safety Brendan Shanahan had a meeting with Prust on Sunday about the incident.

Prust was not penalized during the Rangers 3-0 win for the elbow. Devils coach Peter DeBoer referred to the elbow thrown by Prust as "head-hunting." This is the first suspension for Prust in his 301-game NHL career. Prust has one assist, 49 hits and 27 penalty minutes in this year's playoffs.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

NHL Eastern Conference Finals: New Jersey Devils Will 'Shuffle Some Things Around'

Trailing the New York Rangers 2-1 in the best-of-seven 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Finals, New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer has decided to “shuffle some things around” for Game 4.

The biggest shuffle is that center Jacob Josefson, out since April 3 with a fractured left wrist, will play for the first time on Monday night when New Jersey hosts Game 4.

“He finished the season very strong. The last three, four weeks of the season he was great. Fresh legs this time of year. You’re 15 games into a playoff run. Can never hurt,” DeBoer said. “And he’s been an effective guy for us, and we missed him while he was out.”

DeBoer will also shuffle some of his lines.

“We got shut out. We were trying to generate some offense. That’s been fairly common practice for us to move people around when we haven’t had success scoring goals,” DeBoer said. "I think the easy thing would be to stick with it and just hope you come out the next game, do the same thing and score.

“But we’ve decided to shuffle some things around, and I think we’ll get some results in that.”

We will find out Monday night if DeBoer is right.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Eastern Conference Finals: John Tortorella Rips Into Devils

So, you have been waiting for New York Rangers coach John Tortorella to open up to the media and give more than clipped, two or three word answers. Well, Sunday Tortorella opened up big-time. The reason? New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer claiming that Brandon Prust of the Rangers was “head-hunting” when he hit Anton Volchenkov in Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals.

“Prust has played probably 300‑plus games without any hearing, anything going on with him. He’s probably one of the most honest players,” Tortorella said Sunday.

The Rangers coach was just warming up.

“I look at Zubrus’ elbow to Stralman. I look at Parise launching himself at Del Zotto. Maybe if our players stayed down on the ice, we’ll get something.

“We tell our players don’t stay down on the ice. Get up. I hope ‑ I’ll leave it at that. Picking on the power play, set plays, picking on the power play,”Tortorella said. “If we want to start discussing officials with the media, I have a long list here. That’s a set play by Jersey. Picking so we can’t get to Kovalchuk to block a shot.”

Prust has a hearing today with the NHL regarding the hit. No word has yet come down as to whether or not he will play in Game 4 on Monday night.

Rangers Vs. Devils, Game 3 Reaction: Henrik Lundqvist Puts On A Show

Behind a flurry of goals in the third period and an outstanding performance by goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, the New York Rangers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series over their tri-state rival, the New Jersey Devils. Lundqvist collected his second shutout of the series, and according to the SB Nation blog Blueshirt Banter put on a show Rangers' fans are approving of.

First off, let me welcome you to the Henrik Lundqvist show as this man stood on his head all game long, and came away with his second shutout of the series. As the Rangers were struggling to find their game through the first two periods, Henrik Lundqvist was on his game all afternoon.

Meanwhile, SB Nation's In Lou We Trust can't help put give the goaltender all the credit:

Devils fans have to begrudgingly give all the credit to Lundqvist. He fully earned his shutout today. He saw odd man rushes, and came away with a stop. He had an early breakaway in the second period by Ilya Kovalchuk and he got his body in front of him. He had traffic to deal with and still kept it out. He stopped all kinds of shots; impressively flashing the glove for the ones aimed at his supposed weakspot. Lundqvist was the primary, secondary, and tertiary reason why the Rangers were in this game, as well as being in the Eastern Conference Finals at all.

Can Lundqvist keep up his remarkible play in Game 4? We will all find out Monday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

For more on the Rangers vs. Devils Eastern Conference playoff series, make sure to check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream.

Rangers 3, Devils 0 -- Eastern Conference Finals Game 3: DeBoer Says Lundqvist Was The Difference

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist turned away 36 shots in his team’s 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils Saturday afternoon in Game 3 of the 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Finals. The Rangers got only 21 shots, but Lundqvist’s play kept the Rangers in the game until they could finally generate some offense in the third period.

“I think their goalie, you know, was the difference. We generated some opportunities, some zone time, moved the puck around well,” said Devils coach Peter DeBoer. "When you lose a game like this, where we out chance and out play the other team for long stretches, easy to look at it under a microscope and say, oh, boy, they played two great shifts here and that was the difference in the game.

“We strung together six or seven great shifts. We didn’t capitalize on it. That’s the story of the game. So, you know, we had opportunities. If we find a way to score one in the first two periods, it’s a different game. We didn’t.”

New Jersey Game 3 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

New Jersey Devils fans are used to seeing Martin Brodeur steal a game in a series. Today, Henrik Lundqvist turned the tables.

The New York Rangers goalie stopped 36 shots en route to his second shutout of the series, blanking New Jersey 3-0. It was his second shutout in the past three games, and gave New York a 2-1 series edge.

Game 4 will be Monday night at the Prudential Center. New Jersey will once again need to fight back from a series deficit, and find some way to solve Lundqvist. Here is what went right, and wrong, in the Game 3 loss:

What Went Right

Martin Brodeur

The best Devil on the ice tonight was once again the goalie. Martin Brodeur was outstanding, matching Lundqvist save for save through two periods. Then the wheels came off, as the Rangers beat Brodeur twice in a two minute span to take the lead. Brodeur, however, had no chance on either goal. Dan Girardi made him go left before shooting right, beating him stick side. Then he had no shot on the Chris Kreider goal, as the rookie had a perfect screen in front and deflected the puck past Brodeur. When it was all said and done, the Devils goalie finished with 19 saves on 21 shots, and was a tough luck loser.

Ilya Kovalchuk

He didn't score today, but Ilya Kovalchuk was easily the team's best forward. He led the team with six shots on net, and was one amazing Lundqvist save away from scoring on a breakaway to start the second period. He had some great opportunities on the powerplay as well. But when there's a goalie like Lundqvist in net, he's sometimes going to steal away those opportunities. That's what he did today. If there was another goalie in net, Kovalchuk could have recorded a multi-goal game.

Anton Volchenkov

Volchenkov is the team's best shot blocker, and he showed it again today, blocking four shots. But that isn't why he finds himself under the "what went right" heading. After taking a high elbow from Brandon Prust (more on that later), he didn't miss a shift and finished out the game. He's one of the main cogs in the Devils defense, and seeing he was no worse for the wear after the elbow was good news for New Jersey.

The team's speed and forecheck

For most of the game, this gave the Devils a huge advantage over the New York. They couldn't keep up with New Jersey, and the Devils played their game. They pinned the Rangers deep, and used the forecheck to maintain possession. New Jersey also found a way to use their speed, forcing some odd-man rushes and the Kovalchuk breakaway. If New Jersey can continue to dominate those areas, Lundqvist will need to steal another game to keep the Devils off the scoresheet.

What Went Wrong

The first five minutes of the third period

Today's loss was almost a carbon copy of the way Game 1 went. New Jersey dominated through two periods, and Lundqvist stood strong. The Rangers came out of the gates in the third period with more jump, and the Devils failed to match. There are always ebbs and flows in a game, and sometimes the other team will gain momentum. To come out of an intermission flat is inexcusable. New Jersey can't expect to take off five minutes and win a game. That's not how playoff hockey work. When they stick to their system, they have the better opportunities. New Jersey, frustrated by Lundqvist, failed to come out with energy to start the period. That left them on the wrong end of a 2-0 deficit.

Brandon Prust

The Rangers forward should be talking with the league about his hit in the second period. He was in the Devils zone on the forecheck, pestering Volchenkov, when the Devils defenseman tried to spin away. Prust went to hit Volchenkov, raising his right elbow and hitting the defenseman in the back of the head. No penalty was called, and Volchenkov finished the period, but he didn't think the hit was accidental.

"It was pretty dirty, actually," Volchenkov told Tom Gulitti of The Bergen Record. "It was an elbow in the head. We'll see what it's going to amount to."

Devils coach Peter DeBoer had stronger words.

"Head hunting plain and simple," he told Gulitti.

Prust should have been thrown out. Instead, the referees failed to call a penalty. Just because Volchenkov played doesn't mean Prust will avoid suspension. Remember that Claude Giroux was suspended for hitting Dainius Zubrus in the head, despite the fact the Devils forward came back for the third period.

Specialty Teams

New Jersey went 0-for-5 on the power play, failing to score a man advantage goal for the second time this series. The Rangers are handing the Devils opportunities, but they're failing to cash in. The special teams needs to improve, and not when the team is down. It looked awful today.

The penalty kill matched the ineffective power play. New Jersey killed off just one of two Rangers power play attempts. Girardi's power play tally proved to be the game-winner. The Devils have allowed at least one power play goal in each game. After improving against Philadelphia, New Jersey has taken a major step back. Special teams will usually dictate a playoff series, and right now it's fully in the favor of the Rangers.

The Devils offense

Sometimes, the opposing goalie has one of those nights. Give credit to Lundqvist, who was amazing. New Jersey had plenty of chances, and they need to bury them. Travis Zajac epitomized that in the third period, finding a loose puck in the slot. Lundqvist was moving to his right, and Zajac had the entire top of the net to shoot. His shot sailed over the net, hitting the netting above the glass and eliminating the scoring chance. This Devils scorers need to bury those opportunities. They did in Game 2, and will need that success again in Game 4.

Rangers Eastern Conference Final Game 3 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

Dating back to their second-round series, the New York Rangers have alternated wins and losses. After Saturday's 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final, that trend continued as the No. 1 seed took a 2-1 series lead.

Based purely on chances and offensive zone time, the Rangers were outplayed significantly over the game's first half. It was a near-miracle that the game was scoreless over that time period as the Rangers, again, were a step slow and generating feeble chances that were kept to the outside. Of course, it helps when Henrik Lundqvist, who flat-out stole this game, is in net.

Just like they have for most of the season, the Rangers relied on their netminder, stayed patient with their game, found it and capitalized on their chances, scoring three times in the third period (Ryan Callahan's was an empty-netter) beginning with Dan Girardi's blast and Chris Kreider's deflection goal.

Game 4 is Monday back at Prudential Center at 8 p.m., and the Rangers will be looking to reverse their win-loss trend. First, though, let's take a look at the good and bad from this victory.

What Went Right

Henrik Lundqvist: The Rangers didn't have their legs for the first half of this game, getting totally outplayed in every facet of the game. But that didn't matter because Lundqvist was brilliant, making 36 saves. He simply stole the game for the Rangers, even with them scoring thrice in the third period. It's his second shutout of the series, third of the playoffs and sixth career postseason one. The Devils ran all over New York early on, outshooting them 11-5 in the first and 15-9 in the second period. Sometimes shot totals aren't indicative of the play, but in this one, they were. Breakaways, odd-man rushes, traffic in front: you name it, Lundqvist was there to make the save. His presence in net is a calming influence for this group and allowed them to get their jump and seize some of their own chances in the final frame.

Second-Period Timeout: Coach John Tortorella called a timeout at 1:51 of the second period. It isn't reflected in the box score, as the Rangers were still outshot 15-9 in the second period, but it was a huge call by the coach. Without Lundqvist, New York would've been run out of the building early in this game. The Devils had momentum and top-notch chances on their side in the first. That continued early on in the second , and the Rangers' coach recognized that. After that point, New York regained its legs, found its game, stuck with it and made it competitive again. The biggest difference was that the Rangers actually started to create some zone pressure, instead of constantly being on defense, like they were for the entire first period.

Penalty Kill: It's going to go unnoticed with Lundqvist stealing the limelight, Girardi's second game-winning goal in three games and Kreider's fiffth of the postseason, but I believe it was just as crucial to this win as anything else. The Devils had five power plays and chances to really knocked the Rangers out, and they couldn't convert. The two penalty kills New York had in the second period were huge, as was the one with the ice tilted toward the Devils' end in the first. The Devils controlled the pace of this game for nearly two-thirds of it, and getting a goal in that second period really could've made things go south in a hurry for the Rangers. Even with the Rangers up 2-0, they took two more penalties and this was a chance for New Jersey to get back in it. The penalty kill was aggressive, blocked a ton of shots and kept shooting lanes free for Lundqvist.

Fourth line: Let's go a bit off-the-wall with this 'what went right' nod, because this line -- John Mitchell, Artem Anisimov and Mike Rupp essentially created Kreider's goal. They hemmed the puck in the zone, cycled it and wore down the defense, before heading out on a line change. John Mitchell didn't change immediately but what he did was extremely valuable: he charged into the zone with his new "linemates," went back toward the blue line and dumped the puck in. Callahan retrieved it and his errant shot went out to Ryan McDonagh, who played another stellar game, and he fired with Kreider deflecting it home.

What Went Wrong

Slow Start ... Again: Much has been made of the Rangers' style and two prior series lasting seven games. They were called a tired and exhausted team in Game 2. Tortorella didn't want to hear about any questions relating to it early on in the series, with the Devils being the more rested squad. But early on in Game 3, they were falling into that generalization. They were slow to pucks. Couldn't win a single puck battle. The times the puck went into the Devils' end in the first period were because the Rangers needed to change. Lundqvist is one of the best for a reason, but the Blueshirts can't keep coming out without energy and expect to win. They haven't really set the pace early in a game yet this series.

Brandon Prust: Right after Tortorella took the timeout in the second period, the Rangers' banging line went to work, and Prust got a little too reckless, getting a high elbow up to the back of Anton Volchenkov's head. There was no penalty called on the play, but Volchenkov clearly was affected in the minutes after the hit. It's likely that the league takes a look at this play and hands Prust a one-game ban. Prust hasn't done all that much in five-on-five situations, but he's a heart-and-soul player and he's continued to be a reliable penalty killer, so his absence will mean someone else fills in in that situation. Prust had 3:58 of penalty-kill time in Game 3.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: Rangers Beat Devils, 3-0

The New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, 3-0, taking a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Rangers goalie, Henrik Lundqvist, was the star of the game. The Devils out-shot the Rangers, 36-22, but because Lundqvist saved every shot attempted against him, the Rangers were able to hang close for two periods and end the game in the third with three goals. The Devils also failed to convert on all five power-play opportunities.

The Rangers broke a scoreless tie with two goals in the first 5:16 of the third period. Dan Girardi scored a power play goal at the 3:19 mark off an assist from Brad Richards and Chris Kreider scored on a tip-in at 5:16. New York completed the scoring with an empty-net goal at the 17:47 mark by Ryan Callahan.

Game four is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET, in New Jersey, televised on NBC Sports Network.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: Game Tied At Zero After Two Periods

The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils remain tied after two periods of play in the third game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Despite the score, the Devils offense has out-played the Rangers, out-shooting them 26-14. The reason the Rangers are still firmly in the game is Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers goalie has been phenomenal, saving every shot he's seen.

Not only do the Devils have 26 shots on goal through two periods, they've also had three powerplays. Yet the game remains tied at zero.

The third period of can be seen on NBC. Winner of today's game will take a 2-1 series lead, as the series remains in New Jersey for game four.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Devils Vs. Rangers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 3: Rangers, Devils Tied at Zero After First Period

The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers are tied at zero after the first period in game three of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Despite the score, or lack thereof, the Devils out-played the Rangers in the first period. They out-shot them 11 to five, and among their 11 first period shots were plenty of opportunities to put the pack past Henrik Lundqvist.

Travis Zajac, Marek Zidlicky and Dainius Zubrus all have two shots on goal. Both teams had one power play opportunity, but neither was able to convert.

The second period of can be seen on NBC. Winner of today's game will take a 2-1 series lead, as the series remains in New Jersey for game four.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Devils Vs. Rangers Game 3: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

In the 2012 NHL playoffs, the New York Rangers have fallen into the pattern of not taking advantage of a Game 1 win. The Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed has won the first game in all three playoff rounds, only to have trouble seizing early-round momentum in a series because of a Game 2 loss, the latest coming in the conference final versus the New Jersey Devils.

Saturday afternoon (1:00 p.m., NBC) at Prudential Center, New Jersey would like to start its own trend: losing the first game of a series (like it did in the second round), only to knock off its opponent with relative ease. The Rangers have proven to be a bunch that participates -- and is comfortable -- in a lot of close games and for better (and worse) have not allowed the outcome of one game to affect the next. New York alternated wins and losses throughout its second-round series against the Washington Capitals.

The Devils showed in Game 2 that they were the quicker, more desperate team. They won most of the battles along the boards, they were faster to pucks and they continued to cause bad decision making from New York in the defensive end because of their forecheck. With that being said, the Rangers only lost the game by one goal, 3-2. In a rather discouraging effort, the Blueshirts had a chance to still come away with a win. Worrisome is that coach John Tortorella during the in-game interview called his team "slow." The coach needs to get a higher effort level in Game 3 and hope that the wear and tear of the regular season and playoffs -- Saturday will be the 17th game for New York -- isn't taking its toll on his squad. With that being said, more jump from the visitors should be expected in this one, after two days off and an unhappy coach who surely got his point across after the Game 2 loss and in practice.

Home ice has been a welcome site for the Devils, as they've gone 4-1 in the playoffs at Prudential Center. When you boil down the series, the obvious focal point will continue to be Martin Brodeur versus Henrik Lundqvist. It also will be difficult for Tortorella to match the Devils' lines in this one, and removing that advantage has been a noted Achilles' heel for the coach in these playoffs. The Devils have balance, and that could cause an issue for the Rangers, though their shot-blocking and physical defense has played very well for the most part. What the Devils can do, though, is be more disciplined: the Rangers have scored one of their five goals (one was an empty-netter) in this series on five-on-five play.

Brodeur's 'Under The Radar' Performance Proving Critics Wrong

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils: New Jersey Outworks Blueshirts For Game 2 Win, Bloggers React

A late goal from David Clarkson gave the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night. With the win, the Devils tied the series at 1-1, splitting the opening pair of games on the Rangers' home ice.

All three of the Devils' goals came on deflections, but the team used more than blind luck to earn the win says John Fischer at In Lou We Trust, SB Nation's Devils blog.

While the Devils had the good fortune of two good deflections, they were the better team tonight ... They took more initiative in the first period and to start in the third period. Even after the Rangers surged in the second period, the Devils battled back to only be out-shot 12-9 after being out-shot 6-0 early on. The Devils threw hits, they made plays, and the "jump" was in everyone. The Devils even were superior on faceoffs, winning 32 out of 59. The Devils deserved this win, even if their equalizer and game winner came from two great bounces.

The Rangers claimed the initiative in the second period, but failed to hold on to it in the final period of play. That, says Bryan Winters at Blueshirt Banter, was their undoing.

Everyone was going fine and dandy for the Rangers as they known controlled the game with a 2-1 lead midway through the second. However, nearing the final two minutes of the period, the Rangers were pinned in their own end for some time, and it wound up costing them.

Ryan Carter would wind up tipping home a Bryce Salvador point shot, and the redirection completely fooled Henrik lundqvist. The Devils and Rangers would be all knotted up heading into the third period. Things started, just as they left of for the New Jersey Devils, and they came away with an early goal.

Again, a point shot which was redirected by David Clarkson, changed direction completely and fell in behind Henrik Lundqvist. This definitely wasn't the start the Rangers wanted to the third period, especially after their hard fought effort in the second.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Devils 3, Rangers 2 -- Eastern Conference Finals, Game 2: Peter DeBoer Reaction

New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer thought his team’s “overall game was much better” in Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals, a game the Devils won, 3-2, to knot their series with the New York Rangers at 1-1.

“I thought we established our forecheck right off the bat in the first period and we’re creating zone time and chances. I think in the second a couple of the penalties took us out of it and they regained some momentum with couple of power play goals,” DeBoer said. “But we felt that if we could play five‑on‑five and stick with it, that we were going to get rewarded, and that’s what happened.”

The Devils now head home for games 3 and 4.

“We have to take care of business at home. It’s [Madison Square Garden] a tough building to win in. And it’s nice to get a split. But there’s a lot of hockey left. And glad to be going home for two.”

VIDEO: Rangers Coach John Tortorella Will 'Keep It In The Room'

You had to know New York Rangers coach John Tortorella, famously short with his responses to questions from the media, would not be in the mood to talk following Wednesday night's 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils in Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals.

He wasn't. See for yourself.

Rangers Eastern Conference Final Game 2 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

For the third straight playoff series, the New York Rangers couldn't carry the momentum of a Game 1 win into Game 2.

Even after seizing a 2-1 lead in the second period, New York flopped against the New Jersey Devils en route to a 3-2 loss in the second game of the Eastern Conference final.

The Rangers have become the tradmark team when it comes to comfort in close games, but ultimately they were undone by a team whose game had a little more spark and a little more polish than theirs at Madison Square Garden.

Even after the discouraging loss, New York and New Jersey are tied 1-1 in the series. Nobody expected it to be easy for either team, and the series has now shifted to a best-of-five one, with the next game at Prudential Center on Saturday at 1 p.m.

As with every game -- even a loss -- there are good and bad aspects to discuss. Let's try to be honest and realistic in analyzing what went right and what went wrong in the Rangers' Game 2 loss.

What Went Right

Power Play: For once, the power play wasn't a total lost cause. It has been heavily criticized during the season and the playoffs, and rightfully so. For the second game in a row, New York scored on the man advantage. In fact, they scored twice from Marc Staal and Chris Kreider. Staal's shot shanked off the end boards and right back behind Martin Brodeur, as the puck banked in off of his leg. Kreider notched the second one on a deflection, one that gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead as he screened Brodeur during an Anton Stralman shot. Even though they didn't capitalize on a big power play down 3-2 in the third, it has at least shown life, and their confidence in this situation has to be growing. The emergence is something that bodes very well for them in a series that will continue to be hard-fought and physical.

Chris Kreider: There's a reason why the organization wanted Kreider to come straight out of Boston College and enter the lineup, even if it burned a year off of his rookie contract. The kid has four goals in the playoffs -- the playoffs, at age 21-- his latest coming as he screened Brodeur for a deflection goal. Kreider was benched for about 2 1/2 games in the second-round series, playing fourth-line minutes, which is ludicrous because he's clearly already a top-six talent at forward. I understand penalizing him for a game, but the rookie is proving his worth on the second line, tallying 18:14 in the loss, getting three shots on goal and doling out three hits. Mistakes are magnified in the playoffs, and they're sure to come with a young player, but the upside is so high that Kreider needs to be playing despite that risk.

Second Period (Until The End ...): The Rangers ran all over the Devils in the second period, probably getting a clear "message" from Tortorella after they played a "slow" first period in falling behind 1-0. It was extremely encouraging -- after such a dispiriting first period, they came out with a lot of life in the second, controlled the play and weren't slowed by the Devils' forecheck. The best part was that New York struck quickly, 2:23 into the period, to knot the game up, and they continued to apply pressure, failing to convert on a few chances, but going ahead 2-1 10 minutes later. It was an energetic period if the Rangers ever needed one, outshooting the Devils 12-9 but their momentum heading into the third was sapped after giving up a goal with 1:51 left in the second to a fourth-line player.

What Went Wrong:

Slow Start: The Rangers are the No. 1 seed in these playoffs, beginning every series with two games at home. Each series they've won the first game and spoke about how big it would be to grab a 2-0 lead heading into the opponent's building. After such a dominating third period in Game 1 against the Devils what do the Rangers do? They get outplayed in the first -- and for long stretches in the game -- the second straight tilt they didn't come out with the requisite energy in. It's almost inexcusable and will likely cost them the series if they continue this trend. Game 1, the period ended 0-0. Game 2, they were less fortunate, going down 1-0, while giving up a power play goal. Nobody said the playoffs would be easy, but this was a clear statement game in the series, even this early, and the Rangers' slow start was a sign of bad things to come throughout the game, namely an compete level that was lacking and sharpness that was missing. It was yet another Game 2 in which they did not match the other teams' desperation.

Failing To Hold Onto Lead: New York's slow start is inexcusable, but in realizing that the Rangers came out with a very inspired second period, scoring twice and grabbing the 2-1. This after such a disappointing start, remember. The Blueshirts had the momentum heading into the third period ... until Ryan Carter scored at 18:09 to tie the game. You simply cannot blow leads in the playoffs, especially one this late in the game. This was a back-breaking one as it stole all the second-period thunder and the Devils parlayed that late surge into the winner at 2:31 of the third period. Carter, by the way, is a fourth-liner who played 8:15 in the game. You can't be giving up big goals, or any for that matter, to guys of that stature.

Marian Gaborik: The winger was benched for 13 minutes -- from Carter's goal into the third period, not playing until 11:03 of the final frame. He was a primary reason why Carter was able to score the game-changing goal. His clearing attempt with a 2-1 lead along the boards was futile. His effort to get back in the play was lacking. And then, when Bryce Salvador, who intercepted Gaborik's "attempt" fired the shot that Carter deflected, Gaborik did not put forth the effort to try to get in the way of the shot like the rest of his teammates would have. All of that was enough for Tortorella, even in a close game. Gaborik wasn't even on the ice when Henrik Lundqvist was pulled late in the game. It's a questionable roster decision by Tortorella with the Rangers scratching for a goal in the third period, but he pulls no favorites. You play defense and do the little things right, or you sit. Expect the sniper to come out with an edge in Game 3.

New Jersey Devils Game 2 Reaction: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

In a must win game, the New Jersey Devils offense woke up.

Held without a goal in their Game 1, New Jersey scored three goals en route to a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden.

The surge in offense was an obvious welcome site for New Jersey. But the game teetered on the brink in the second period, when the Rangers scored twice and outplayed the Devils. A win is a win, and New Jersey's tied the series 1-1 with Game 3 coming Saturday afternoon at the Prudential Center.

In every win, there is always good, but even a little bad. Here now is what went right and what went wrong in the Devils' Game 2 win:

What Went Right

Martin Brodeur

This postseason has become Martin Brodeur's emphatic statement to the league that, even at 40, he's still one of the best goalies in the league. The Devils goalie stopped 23 of 25 shots, making several highlight-reel saves in the process. The first goal is all his fault, as he came out too far from the post and had a puck ricochet off the boards and into the back of the net. But he stood tall when the Devils needed, and made some incredible saves. Before the series, I wrote that Brodeur would once again have to prove himself. His recent play has shut me up, and is silencing plenty of critics along the way.

David Clarkson

Clarkson was up to his usual tricks, playing physical hockey and leading the third line. He went hard to the net, drew the ire of some Rangers defenders and threw his body around. He saved his best for the third period, redirecting an Adam Henrique point shot for his third goal of the postseason. Out of Clarkson's five career postseason goals, four are game-winners, including tonight's tally. He hasn't been a huge force in the playoffs, but Clarkson put together one of his typical games tonight. He provides energy every shift, and tonight he was rewarded for doing the grunt work.

The New Offensive Gameplan

Before tonight's game, the Devils said they weren't worried about the Rangers shot blocking. Give credit to Peter DeBoer and company, who made adjustments that allowed New Jersey to break out tonight. The team moved the puck quicker in the Rangers end, loosening up the defense in front of Henrik Lundqvist. Instead of settling for one-timers, the team settled for shots from all angles. DeBoer also got his players to get to the front of the net, and it resulted in two deflection goals.

This can't be a one game change. On top of an effective forecheck, the Devils need to make quick decisions in the Rangers defensive end. If they can continue that, they'll get some of those better scoring opportunities.

The New Lines

Sometimes, a good system needs a little tinkering. That's exactly what DeBoer did during today's morning skate, changing three of the team's four lines. He also sat Adam Larsson in favor of Peter Harrold, who was a healthy scratch for five straight games. The new combinations worked, and each line looked dangerous on the ice.

What Went Wrong

The Penalty Kill

The Devils penalty kill once again failed them tonight. While the first Rangers powerplay tally came from a broken play, the second was a great shot through a terrific screen. New Jersey got too cute in their own zone. On the first powerplay goal, Bryce Salvador had at least two seconds to clear the puck. He instead held it below the goal line, leading to a turnover that kept the puck in the Devils end. Andy Greene had a similar situation, failing to clear the puck after a moment of indecision before the Rangers second powerplay goal.

The penalty kill needs to be good in this series. Giving a low-scoring team like the Rangers free opportunities will sink New Jersey.

The Penalties

New Jersey took some awful penalties tonight. Travis Zajac's interference penalty led to the second powerplay goal, and Steve Bernier had no business taking an interference call in the third period. New Jersey needs to play smarter hockey, and it starts with discipline. They showed it in the Philadelphia series, and will need to find that discipline again from here on out.

(Most of the) Second Period

The Devils looked great in the first period, forechecking the Rangers into submission and playing smart hockey. There were a few hiccups along the way, but it looked like a mirror image to the team's Game 2 performance against the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. That all evaporated in the second period, as the Devils allowed the Rangers to dictate play for most of the middle frame. Inconsistent play will sink a team in the playoffs, and the Devils were lucky to escape the second period with a 2-2 tie. They need to put together a consistent, 60-minute effort night in and night out to compete with New York. There won't be too many more games where they can take a period off and come back to win.

MSG's Penalty Box Door

Great moment during the second period, when the door to the visitor's penalty box at Madison Square Garden wouldn't open. It took almost five minutes to fix the door, but give credit to the MSG staff. There were at least five people in there, working to get the problem fixed. Maybe that's why they're renovating the place.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 2: David Clarkson Goal Gives New Jersey 3-2 Win

The New Jersey Devils evened their Eastern Conference Finals series with the New York Rangers on Wednesday night with a 3-2 victory at Madison Square Garden. David Clarkson scored the game-winner in the third period for New Jersey. Each team now has one win apiece as the series crosses the Hudson for a pair of games on the Devils' home ice.

Clarkson redirected a shot from Adam Henrique just two and a half minutes into the third period. Clarkson has a total of five career playoff goals; four of those goals are game-winners.

The Rangers came on strong after that goal. They put together some quality scoring chances and upped their own forecheck to try and even the score. It was no use, and Martin Brodeur held on in the third frame to preserve the win. Brodeur finished with 23 saves. Henrik Lundqvist made 24 saves for the Rangers.

Ilya Kovalchuk and Ryan Carter also had goals for the Devils. Marc Staal and Chris Kreider had the Rangers' goals.

Game 3 of the series happens Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 2: Late Goal From New Jersey Ties It At 2-2 After Two Periods

The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils are all tied up after two periods of play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night. The Rangers scored twice and the Devils added another goal to make it a 2-2 after the first 40 minutes of play.

New York used two power play opportunities to put themselves on the board. With the man advantage just over two minutes into the second period, Marc Staal got a lucky break on a shot that went high, bounced off the glass onto Martin Broduer's pads and into the net to even the score.

Ten minutes later, with Travis Zajac off the ice for interference, Chris Kreider scored his fourth goal of the playoffs to give the Rangers a one-goal lead. Kreider deflected a shot from Anton Stralman for the score.

New Jersey evened things with less than two minutes left in the period. Bryce Salvador fired a long point shot that Ryan Carter deflected high and into the net.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 2: New Jersey Leads 1-0 At 1st Intermission On Ilya Kovalchuk Goal

The New Jersey Devils have a 1-0 lead over the New York Rangers after one period of play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

New Jersey has outshot the Rangers by an eight-to-five margin, though the shots on goal do not tell the story of a Devils teams controlling the offensive zone.

The Devils scored their first goal of the series on a power play with just under seven minutes left to play in the first period. Working an aggressive forecheck, the Devils pulled all four Rangers skaters into the corner and drew the attention of goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

Standing alone between the circles was Ilya Kovalchuk, who scored the easy goal with a snap of the wrist, as you can see in the video below.

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

Devils coach Peter DeBoer Changes Lines, Sits Larsson For Game 2

After a playoff lost, adjustments need to be made. New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer did just that, shifting his line combinations and sitting rookie defenseman Adam Larsson for tonight's Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 matchup with the New York Rangers.

DeBoer shifted captain Zach Parise back to the top line with Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk. Patrik Elias dropped to the second line, where he'll skate with Petr Sykora and Dainius Zubrus. Alexei Ponikarovsky, who skated with both Zajac and Kovalchuk in Game 1, will shift to the team's third line. He's paired with Adam Henrique and David Clarkson.

The only line to remain intact will be the fourth line of Stephen Gionta, Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier.

DeBoer also made a change on defense, sitting rookie Adam Larsson in favor of Peter Harrold. The veteran defenseman played in the team's first eight playoff games, but was a healthy scratch for the last five games.

Harrold, who practiced at the point during today's powerplay, is excited to get back in the lineup.

"Certainly, it's better than watching, that's for sure." the defenseman told Tom Gulitti of The Bergen Record. "I'm just hoping I can get pucks through and make a difference on the offensive end."

Elias didn't think changing the line combinations was a drastic move, but a necessary change in tactics.

"Sometimes you just try to find something to get going again and it's fine. You adjust," he told Gulitti. "We created some opportunities with the lines before, but not enough scoring. We just want to change it up. No one is really looking into it too much. It's normal. It happens throughout the regular season season and it's happened in the playoffs. You've got to adjust and just play. We're all familiar with each other, so it's no big deal."

The Devils currently trail the rival Rangers, 1-0, in the best of seven series.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils: Martin Brodeur Releases Statement Saying Comment Taken Wrong Way

Martin Brodeur still isn't talking to the media after morning skates, but the New Jersey Devils goalie released a statement through a team spokesman Wednesday saying his comment about hurting the New York Rangers with shots to discourage them from blocking shots was "off-the-cuff" and misunderstood.

After the Devils lost 3-0 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Brodeur said he hoped the Devils would "be able to hurt a few guys getting one-timers in the foot or their head or something" to discourage the Rangers from doing such a good job protecting goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

The statement said Brodeur's comment was taken the wrong way.

"That was obviously not intent of his comments at all," a Devils spokesman said. "He would never even think like that. It's just an off-the-cuff comment. What he was trying to say is that they need to get pucks through."

"No one would think like that," Devils GM Lou Lamoriello told the Star-Ledger of Newark. "For anybody who know's Marty, it's not an issue. People are are looking for something. It's the playoffs. Marty will clarify his comments."

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

VIDEO: Remix Of John Tortorella Press Conferences

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils Game 2: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The bad blood will start boiling once again when the sun goes down.

The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils will play Game Two on Wednesday night of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Game One went to the Rangers, 3-0, behind the strong performance of their defensemen and Henrik Lundqvist. New Jersey couldn't get many pucks past the throng of blue shirts blocking off shooting lanes.

However, it's a tough game to handicap going forward. While New York did play well and ultimately won the contest, the Devils were mostly dominant for the first two periods, doing everything but beating Lundqvist.

It can be looked upon in two ways: New Jersey is in deep trouble because it couldn't score and that will become the theme, or the Rangers need to play much better or they'll eventually get rolled.

Give New York credit though, they find ways to win a la the old Devils teams of Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko. It's not pretty, but it's very effective.

Wednesday night should bring a great game that New Jersey needs to win if its going to have a legitimate shot of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.

TV: NBC Sports Network

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

For more on the Rangers please be sure to visit our blog Blueshirt Banter. For the Devils, please check out In Lou We Trust and for all the latest news and updates, stay right here on SB Nation New York.

2012 NHL Eastern Conference Finals: Devils' Zach Parise Says 'That Game Could Have Gone Both Ways'

New Jersey Devils star Zach Parise said Tuesday that the Devils “still feel pretty good” despite Monday’s 3-0 loss to the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the 2012 NHL Playoff Eastern Conference Finals.

“That game could have gone both ways, and we just didn’t play well enough for a long enough period of time. And that was a big difference. But we feel really comfortable with the way we played. I think we still have to be much better, and we will be,” Parise said. “This is not‑‑ it’s not an easy game playing against them. They make you work for everything. You have to be prepared to be hit and to create scoring chances the hard way, because they don’t give you anything easy.”

Parise said the Devils need to do a better job of creating traffic in front of Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

“I think you always preach the same thing, get in their sight lines. Every goalie is good enough now where they’re going to stop it if they see it,” Parise said. “We’ve have to do a better job getting in front of him and jumping on those rebounds.”

Rangers 3, Devils 0 -- NHL Eastern Conference Finals, Game 1: Devils Reaction

Here is some of the reaction from the New Jersey Devils following Monday night's 3-0 loss to the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Finals.

Devils coach Peter DeBoer said "whoever was going to score first tonight was going to win."

"They got the first goal. It was that type of hockey game. Once they got the first one, we had to open it up a little bit, and that's what happened," DeBoer said. "Like I said, I think whoever was going to score first tonight was going to win. And they threw a point shot at the net that found a way through. We threw a lot of those at the net, too, and didn't find one through."

Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist stopped 21 shots. The Rangers blocked 26 shot attempts by New Jersey.

"It wasn't anything we weren't prepared for, we knew it was coming," Devils captain Zach Parise said. "We just have to do a better job of getting the point shots through and getting it past their first guy."

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils: New Jersey Dominates 2nd Period, But Can't Capitalize In Loss

The New York Rangers used three third-period goals Monday to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against tri-state rival the New Jersey Devils, 3-0. Late Monday night, the SB Nation blog Blueshirt Banter wrote about the victory, and admitted the top-seeded Rangers were fortunate to escape the second period:

The Rangers struggled to get out of the second period, but were very, very lucky to escape the period without allowing a goal. Up until this point, Dan Girardi definitely didn't play his best hockey tonight, but made up for it just a minute into the third period.

The Devils blog In Lou We Trust had the same feelings about the second period:

What makes the result so frustrating was that the Devils did do well in the second period. They played about the same with the Rangers in the first period; out-shot by two but even in attempts. The Devils were able to get their forecheck going and take advantage of some tired-looking Ranger defenders. Yet, Lundqvist seemed to be everywhere and got a piece of everything that came his way.

In the end, Girardi's goal early in the the third period was enough to pull out the victory, as New York added two more goals, one being an empty netter. Game 2 will be played Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network.

For more commentary and discussion of the Rangers vs. Devils series, check out the SB Nation blogs Blueshirt Banter and In Lou We Trust. For more news and updates, check out this SB Nation New York StoryStream.

Rangers 3, Devils 0 -- NHL Eastern Conference Finals, Game 1: Rangers Reaction

The New York Rangers took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven NHL Eastern Conference Finals playoff series with the New Jersey Devils by winning 3-0 Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Here is some of the reaction from the Rangers following the Game 1 victory.

"We just kept on playing. We stayed with it," said Rangers coach John Tortorella. "We've been in these games all playoffs, with some of the experiences we've gone through. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in our conditioning, and, more importantly, in our mental makeup, as far as handling the situations."

Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist stopped 21 shots, many of them difficult, in earning the shutout.

" as a goalie you always have to step up when the team needs you," Lundqvist said. "I think it's going to be a tight series. Just a big battle out there. And I thought we made a couple of big plays there when it was a 1-0 game. They had a few chances to tie it up. They didn't, and instead we scored the second one. And that was a big one. But I expect it to be just a big war out there for I don't know how many games. But I look forward to it."

-- Post-game transcripts from ASAP Sports

Rangers Eastern Conference Final Game 1 Win: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

For the the third straight playoff round, the New York Rangers captured a Game 1 win, defeating the New Jersey Devils in the first game of the Eastern Conference final 3-0.

Just like the majority of their 14 previous playoff games, the Rangers had this one set up to be another low-scoring affair, where one goal would make the difference. Only, in this one, the Rangers scored three times in the third period to break the 40 minute, 53 second tie. Dan Girardi began the scoring with his second of the playoffs off of a feed from Chris Kreider, who netted the second on the power play off of a back-handed pass from Artem Anisimov. Anisimov gave the Rangers even more of a cushion, scoring on the empty net at the 18:33 mark of the final frame.

Of course none of this is made possible without another sterling effort from Henrik Lundqvist, who notched his second shutout of the postseason -- and fifth of his career. Lundqvist made 21 saves, which doesn't seem like a lot, but for the first two periods he made a number of brilliant ones. New York hunkered down in the third, limiting the Devils to only four shots on net.

Game 2 will be played at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. New York has not enjoyed a two-game lead in the postseason thus far.

Despite the commanding result, let's break it down and take a look at what went right and wrong in their first East final game since 1997.

What Went Right

Shot Blocking: The Rangers essentially have six goalies on the ice, and that was clearly evident in Monday's win, as they blocked 26 shots. Girardi and Marc Staal had five blocks apiece, while Ryan Callahan, Ryan McDonagh and Anton Stralman had three apiece. Sure, the Devils had plenty of shots aimed toward the net. But the Rangers clearly frustrated them, getting in the way of shooting lanes all night. It doesn't seem like the Devils prepared very well for what the Rangers could do in that regard. It made a huge difference tonight, especially in the second period when New Jersey really had the Rangers hemmed in their zone. New York withstood the relentless pressure, though, and regrouped into the third period, one of their better ones in the playoffs.

Henrik Lundqvist: I'd be remiss to not mention him. For spurts in the first and a good portion of the second period, the Devils were on the cusp of breaking through. Lundqvist had help from his shotblockers, but he made numerous key saves to keep the Rangers in the game -- and give them hope heading into the third period. When Lundqvist is seeing the puck like he was tonight, positionally sound and taking the right angles to pucks, he's unbeatable.

Ryan McDonagh: The blueliner won't show up on the statsheet for contributing to any of the Rangers' goals, but he sure has the biggest hands in preventing them. Twice he blocked easy breakaway opportunities. In the first period, McDonagh thwarted Zach Parise's attempt after Girardi totally whiffed on a check. Parise didn't get anything on the shot after McDonagh reached him -- and impressively didn't take a penalty. Also in the first, Ilya Kovalchuk had a breakaway with no Ranger in site, before McDonagh caught up to him and forced him to backhand a weak shot. The defenseman also created a power play and he blocked three shots. The Devils obviously were scoreless, and he's a big reason for that.

Dan Girardi: It's easy to go with the wunderkind, Chris Kreider, who had a goal and an assist in the game, creating one goal and firing a beautiful shot for the other one. Girardi gets the nod here because he had a pretty abysmal first half of the game defensively, missing a check that lead to a breakaway and nearly causing a few more goals with some uncharacteristic indecisiveness. He was pick-pocketed one time next to Lundqvist, with the Devils nearly jamming the puck in past the keeper. He gets this honor, though, because of his offense, as he redeemed himself with an excellent third period, firing the first goal in right after he jumped on the ice from a line change and assisting on Kreider's.

What Went Wrong

Lack Of Offensive Zone Time In The Second: The Rangers were lucky to survive the second period. The shots show the Devils only had an 11-10 advantage, but the Rangers were hemmed in their zone for a good margin in this period. They simply had no answer for the Devils' forecheck, as defender after defender made a bone-headed pass or read. The defense was apprehensive in this period, and practically none of their exit passes out of the zone worked. They were lucky they blocked so many shots and Lundqvist was there to bail them out. To their credit, the third period was a superb one.

Power Play (Until The Third): The Rangers' struggles on the power play nearly cost them in this game. In a tight contest through two periods, the Rangers had three power play chances, but ended up with nothing to show for it. That's a chance to really sink a team and shift the control of the game in their favor. Especially in the second period, the weakest of all of them, New York had two power play chances but came up empty and almost gave up a few goals because the Devils' penalty kill (and forecheck) is so relentless and gives the opposition no time to gather themselves in the defensive zone. Even Kreider's goal, which was on the power play, was scored on a broken play and not really anything set up in the offensive zone. Still, they'll take them however they can get them.

New Jersey Devils Game One Loss: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

For the second straight series, the New Jersey Devils failed to win Game 1.

In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, New Jersey blew a lead before falling to the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-3, in overtime. In their opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight, New Jersey failed to put a puck past Henrik Lundqvist, and ended up on the wrong end of a 3-0 score.

New Jersey will need to bounce back Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden to avoid their first 2-0 deficit of this year's postseason. Even in a loss, there are still good things. Here's what went right, and wrong, in the Devils Game 1 loss.

What Went Right

Martin Brodeur

He's been under a microscope all postseason long, but Martin Brodeur put together a stellar Game 1. The second goal could be blamed on him, but he had a wide open Chris Kreider with all the time in the world to shoot. I'll give him a pass on that one. He kept New Jersey in the game, and stopped several quality chances throughout. None were bigger than his sprawling save in the third period, already down one, to keep the Rangers at bay. When the Devils broke down in front of their Hall-of-Fame netminder, he was there to bail them out.

Brodeur will need to be more careful with the turnovers in Game 2, but he turned in a solid Game 1. He finished with 25 saves on 27 shots.

Adam Larsson

The Devils rookie defenseman showed why he belongs in the lineup. Larsson continually made smart plays, pinching down from the blue line and keeping the offense alive. He also stepped up to lead the rush, and drew a penalty in the first period because of it. The Devils defenders will be a key to this series - they'll need to try and open up the Rangers defensive shell and get pucks into quality scoring areas. Larsson did his part, stepping up and playing smart offensively. He also took care of his own end, and finished with more minutes than veteran Anton Volchenkov.

The Forecheck (Through Two Periods)

When the Devils executed the forecheck, they dictated the pace of the game. Through the first two periods, the Rangers generated more shots. But they also spent a considerable amount of time in their own end, and New Jersey generated some offensive chances from turnovers. That's the system that will help them win the series. It forced the Rangers offensive defenseman to stick back in their own end, and it neutralized the depth of the forwards. Through two periods, the Devils forecheck got the job done.

What Went Wrong

The Lack of a Forecheck (Third Period)

The game opened up in the third period, and the Devils watched the Rangers score three goals and skate away with the opening game of the series. Giving the Rangers time and space allows for those defenders to jump into the play, and makes it that much more difficult to get anything going. The Rangers came out more aggressive in the third period, and New Jersey failed to match. Not even a mini-surge late in the period could help, as by then New York had their lead and went into a defensive shell. A lack of focus will lead to bad things, and New Jersey saw that firsthand tonight.

Bryce Salvador

The Devils defensive rock had a rough night. He was victimized on the first goal, missing a bouncing puck in the neutral zone. Then he provided one of two screens on the Dan Girardi goal, blocking Brodeur in the slot while Derek Stepan, all alone in front, provided a second body in front. There were other times in the third period when it seemed the puck bounced funny on his stick. Salvador is the team's defensive leader, and he's had a superb postseason. But it was one of those nights for him.

Offense In Neutral

Before tonight's game, the Devils talked about how to get New York's defense moving. They discussed using the entire offensive zone, getting players moving side to side, and being smart with the puck. It all worked in theory, but didn't work in the loss. Too many times, players settled for shooting into the mass in front and seeing if something happened. Playing against the Rangers defense requires patience, and it's a tough thing to develop this late in the season. But New Jersey settled for bad shots, trying to force one-timers and shooting from odd angles. Sometimes the puck got through, but most times the Rangers were there to thwart the opportunities. All told, the Rangers blocked 26 shots. They'll continue to block their share of shots, but greater patience will lead to better opportunities.

The Officials

Officials are never the sole reason for a team's win or loss. But tonight, they made a crucial error that led to Kreider's powerplay goal. With Steve Bernier in the box for holding, Travis Zajac chased defenseman Ryan McDonagh back behind his net. McDonagh lost an edge, falling to the ice. While down, he closed his hand on the puck, sliding it up the boards and out of harm's way. The pass isn't illegal - the NHL rulebook states that a hand pass is allowed in the "defending zone." At no time, however, can a player close his hand over the puck. That's exactly what happened, and 20 seconds later the Rangers double the lead.

Would that change the complexion of the period? Maybe. New York would have lost the powerplay. It didn't directly lead to the goal, but plays like that need to be called in the playoffs.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Lundqvist Notches 6th Career Postseason Shutout In 3-0 Win

The New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils, 3-0, Monday night in Game 1 of the NHL Playoff Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers lead the best-of-seven series, 1-0.

The game was scoreless through two periods before the Rangers broke the game open in the final period. Dan Girardi scored the game's first goal just 53 seconds into the final period off an assist from Chris Kreider. Kreider recorded his second point of the night 11 minutes later, scoring on a power play to put the Rangers up 2-0. Video of Kreider's goal is below.

Artem Anisimov capped the Rangers' scoring with a 2-on-1 empty-netter with just under 1:30 to go in the game.

Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was outstanding in net for the Rangers, making 21 saves to earn the shutout. Martin Brodeur made 25 saves for the Devils.

Game 2 will be played Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

For more on the Rangers visit Blueshirt Banter. For more on the Devils visit In Lou We Trust.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Still Scoreless After 2 Periods

The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils are still tied up, 0-0, after two periods of Game 1 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The Rangers hold a slim 18-17 advantage in shots for the game, but the Devils were the aggressor throughout much of the period earning higher quality opportunities.

Henrik Lundqvist at one point had to turn back three straight Zach Parise shots while the Rangers were on a powerplay. Lundqvist has been the difference so far in a game that New Jersey should arguably be leading. Veteran Martin Brodeur has been solid in net as well, albeit while facing less pressure.

The Rangers will need to shift momentum if they hope to take a game lead in their quest for the Stanley Cup.

For more on the Rangers, please be sure to check out our blog Blueshirt Banter. For more on the Devils, please be sure to visit In Lou We Trust. For more on the series, keep it here on SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Rangers Vs. Devils, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: New York, New Jersey Deadlocked, 0-0, Through 1st Period

The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils are deadlocked at 0-0 through the first period of Game 1 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals of the NHL Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The two teams have played to a standstill. The Rangers have outshot the Devils, eight to six.

Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur have been solid in net. Here, the Rangers foil a New Jersey breakaway.

With 2:07 left to play in the period, Patrik Elias took a puck to the face off the stick of Ryan Callahan, leading to a bloody nose. Elias left the game but stayed on the bench rather than head to the locker room.

For more on the Rangers, please be sure to check out Blueshirt Banter. For more on the Devils, please be sure to visit In Lou We Trust. For more on the series, keep it here on SB Nation New York.

2012 NHL Playoffs Stanley Cup Odds Update: Kings Favored To Win At 7/5 Odds, Rangers 11/5, Devils 10/3

The conference finals of the 2012 NHL Playoffs are just beginning but odds makers are still adjusting their predictions.

Oddsmakers initially had the Penguins as the favorite to win the Stanley Cup. They were bounced in the first round by the Flyers. Then the St. Louis Blues became the favorites until they were promptly swept by the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings are the new favorite to win the Cup.

Here are the Bovada odds for the teams remaining in the NHL playoffs:

Los Angeles Kings 7/5
New York Rangers 11/5
New Jersey Devils 10/3
Phoenix Coyotes 6/1

If the prediction curse holds up, that will be good news for the Rangers and Devils. That is, until one of them wins the Eastern Conference and gets picked to win the Stanley Cup.

For more on the Rangers, please be sure to check out our blog Blueshirt Banter. For more on the Devils, please be sure to visit In Lou We Trust. For more on the series, keep it here on SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils, Eastern Conference Finals: John Tortorella In Fine Form

New York Rangers coach John Tortorella is notoriously stingy when it comes to giving information to reporters. His pre-Eastern Conference Finals conference call with reporters was typical. Here, from ASAP Sports, is the entire transcript.

The transcript is hilarious both for the brevity of Tortorella’s answers — his longest answer is 15 words — and for the complete lack of decent, professional questions he was asked.

Q. (Indiscernible) which series you said before, but you were asked if you looked for something in the team and you weren’t going to say what it was, but you had seen it. Is that still the case?
COACH TORTORELLA: I can’t even hear you. Our team?

Q. Yeah. I mean, now that you’re two rounds in, are you still looking for the same things as before the first round, before‑‑ in just how your players are acting and…
COACH TORTORELLA: We’re fine.

Q. And you’ve seen what you need to see?
COACH TORTORELLA: We’re fine.

Q. Is there a challenge emotionally with the quick turnaround from one series to the next?
COACH TORTORELLA: No, none.

Q. You alluded yesterday to you’re glad the team had the experience of two Game 7s. So when other people are suggesting maybe 14 games isn’t the best way to start out…
COACH TORTORELLA: It’s a bunch of crap.

Q. What does Ovechkin or (indiscernible) or the Capitals or the Devils ‑ does it really come down to what your team does? Is that what your focus and preparation is?
COACH TORTORELLA: We don’t spend too much time on the other team. We’re worried about our team.

Q. You said home ice doesn’t matter until you get to a Game 7. Why is it different in Game 7 as opposed to any other home game?
COACH TORTORELLA: I just feel that way.

New York Vs. New York Vs. New Jersey -- A Brief History Lesson

2012 NHL Playoffs, Devils Vs. Rangers: Martin Brodeur Still Proving Himself

The SB Nation New York Top 5: Rangers-Devils Playoff Series

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils Game 1: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

Let the games begin once again.

Everything is put on the line Monday night in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils on Monday Night at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers got here after dispatching a very tough Washington Capitals team in seven games. New Jersey shows up after crushing a beleaguered Philadelphia Flyers group in just five games, winning the final four.

Some have said the six day layoff might hurt the Devils, but with defensemen Marek Zidlicky and Anton Volchenkov recovering from injury, and Ilya Kovalchuk still trying to quell back issues, the rest couldn't have come at a better time.

Going into Game One, New York has to be somewhat tired after playing back-to-back seven game series. However, there's no rest for the weary. The Rangers should be able to bounce back, especially with all that's on the line.

Of course, there has been a little bit of bad blood this season between these two rivals.

Don't forget about the two games earlier this year that started with brawls following the opening face-off. The first time it was just two fights, the next it was three.

The coaches even got into a war of words. John Tortorella called out Pete DeBoer for putting his fourth line on the ice to start a game, with DeBoer responding that Tortorella "either has short-term memory loss or is a hypocrite", after the Rangers coach did the same in the first meeting of the year.

Without question, the biggest talking points are in net, with Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist facing off.

Brodeur, the NHL's all-time leader in wins and three-time champion is actually the underdog. The 40-year-old has said so himself, while on his quest to chase the demons of Stephane Matteau and 1994 forever on the way to glory once more.

Lundqvist is still looking to etch his name on the Stanley Cup, and how sweet it would be to beat New Jersey on the way.

It's the Devils and the Rangers. It's Brodeur against Lundqvist. It's the Eastern Conference Finals.

It's wonderful.

TV: NBC Sports Network

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

For more on the Rangers, please be sure to check out our blog Blueshirt Banter. For more on the Devils, please be sure to visit In Lou We Trust. For more on the series, keep it here on SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Peter DeBoer Press Conference: Devils Coach Says Rangers Are 'In Our Way'

New York Rangers-New Jersey Devils Eastern Conference Final: SB Nation NY Q&A

SB Nation New York hockey writers Jimmy Hascup (Rangers) and A.J. Manderichio (Devils) debate how they think the NHL Eastern Conference Finals will turn out

For New Jersey, Breaking Down Rangers Defense Key To Series

New York Rangers 2012 Eastern Conference Final: Keys To Series

Less than 48 hours after defeating the Washington Capitals in Game 7 of their second-round series, the New York Rangers host the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference final series beginning Monday.

The Rangers enjoyed their best season since they won the Stanley Cup in 1994, tallying 109 points. But the regular season means nothing for any team, other than seeding them for the Phase 2, which is what really counts when all is said and done. To put it in perspective, the Rangers are the only No. 1 seed still in the playoffs -- the Phoenix Coyotes are a three-seed, Los Angeles Kings an eight-seed and the Devils are a six-seed. New York also had its hands full in its first two series, to the eighth-seeded Ottawa Senators and No. 7 Capitals, going seven games in both. Parity, though, is what makes the NHL playoffs so unique. The top teams don't always play like the best one in the playoffs; oftentimes, it's the teams who are hot that find the most success.

One of the hottest teams in these playoffs -- definitely in the Eastern Conference -- is the Devils. New Jersey ended its season with six straight victories, then parlayed that momentum into the playoffs, even though it took then seven games to knock off the shaky Florida Panthers. It took the Devils only five games, winning four straight, to eliminate the Philadelphia Flyers in their last round.

With all of that in mind, let's take a look at the keys to the series from the Rangers' perspective -- a mindset their coach John Tortorella only operates by.

1) Henrik Lundqvist: Quite simply, the Rangers have scratched and clawed for many of their wins this postseason. They aren't a high-scoring group. There's a lot of energy expended throughout the lineup on defense and to create offense. Even with such a stout backend and attention to defense, New York goes nowhere without Lundqvist in net. The coaching staff rested him more this season for just this time of year. It has paid off so far as the netminder has a 1.68 goals-against average and .937 save percentage, making a myriad of spectacular saves. If Lundqvist struggles, the Rangers will too from the pure standpoint that they aren't a quick-strike offense.

2) Power play: It's cliche to simply say the Rangers need to score more. That would certainly lessen the burden on their defense, Lundvist and their fans. What New York needs is for its power play to come through. Eleven of their 14 games, six of the seven in their last series, have been decided by one goal. New York has scored on 15.8 percent of its power plays this postseason, the worst of the remaining playoff teams and right on par with its regular-season numbers, though they have by far the most opportunities, 57. New Jersey has been a penalty-prone team, with 46 in the playoffs, taking four or more in six of its 11 playoff games. The good part for the Rangers is that the Capitals blocked so many shots and clogged so many shooting lanes. New Jersey doesn't play defense quite like that.

3) Health ... and "fatigue factor": Fatigue is a concern for many, as Tortorella likes to stick to three lines after the first period and rely heavily on five defenseman. Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal are 1-3 in ice time this postseason. But I'm not the biggest believe in the fatigue factor -- these guys are well-conditioned athletes and they're pretty young. What concerns me more is staying healthy with how physical the Rangers are. They throw their bodies on the line in all situations: from their hitting, blocking shots and down-low work. Brandon Dubinsky has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since Game 7 of the first-round series. Ryan Callahan missed last year's playoffs with a broken foot after blocking a shot. This group has decent depth within the roster, but not a lot to just insert into the lineup. An injury to a key player could be devastating.

4) Ryan Callahan: Everyone wants to point their finger at Marian Gaborik and the fact he hasn't been the impact guy a 41-goal scorer during the regular season would suggest. But he has 10 points and four goals this postseason, second on the team. He also was very engaged in Game 7, despite just recording an assist. The bigger problem is Ryan Callahan, who had 29 goals (second on the team) and 54 points during the regular season. The winger has only three goals and six points this postseason, with just one goal and an assist coming in the tightly-contested series with the Capitals. What's on his side is that he's getting chances, he's just been a bit unlucky in the scoring-percentage department; his rate is 7.3% (4.2% against the Caps with 24 shots on goal) compared to 12.3% in the regular season.

5) Physical defense against Ilya Kovalchuk: Tortorella likes to speak about the defense's success in limiting the time and space to other teams' stars. The Devils have a more balanced offense than the Capitals did, but the Rangers were able to keep Ovechkin in check for the most part, despite his three goals. When he scored, the Caps won. But the Rangers also shut him down in all of their victories, none no better example than Game 7 when he was limited to just two shots on goal. Kovalchuk has 12 points (five goals) in 11 games and he's even more of a game-changer than Ovechkin is at this point. The only way to defend him is to get in his face and make him feel uncomfortable by being physical. New York will need its other defensemen not named McDonagh, Girardi or Staal defensemen to step up and make it a group effort because the Devils also have Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Patrik Elias and David Clarkson to worry about. That's what will make this more difficult on the defense than the Washington series did.

New Jersey Devils Eastern Conference Finals Preview: How They Got Here

The New Jersey Devils finally know their Eastern Conference opponent.

After wrapping up their Eastern Conference semifinals series over the Philadelphia Flyers on May 8, New Jersey had to wait for the New York Rangers to wrap up their series with the Washington Capitals. They did just that, defeating Washington, 2-1, last night at Madison Square Garden.

The Hudson River rivals square off for a chance at the Stanley Cup. The last time they met in the conference finals was 1994, when Mark Messier made "The Guarantee" and a young Martin Brodeur was beat on by Stephane Matteau on a wraparound in double overtime to send New York to the Stanley Cup finals.

After missing the playoffs last year, New Jersey is in their first conference finals since 2003. Here's how they got there:

Regular Season

New Jersey entered this season with lower expectations than in year's past. The team missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons, and had yet another new coach behind the bench. During the season, the team surpassed expectations. Behind a healthy Zach Parise, in his first season as team captain, New Jersey went 48-28-6, clinching seventh in the Eastern Conference and finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division.

Eastern Conference Quartfinals

The Devils faced off against the Florida Panthers, who finished the season winning their first Southeast Division title. The third seed, the Panthers finished with eight fewer points than the Devils. They opened the series with a win, scoring three first period goals en-route to a 3-2 win. Florida responded to win the next two, overcoming a three-goal deficit in Game 3. New Jersey responded in Game 4, with Martin Brodeur posting a shutout. Jose Theodore answered right back in Game 5, shutting out the Devils and pushing New Jersey to the brink of elimination. The Devils would fight back, winning Game 6. In Game 7, the teams played into double overtime, where rookie Adam Henrique scored the most important goal of his young career:

Adam Henrique Double OT Goal 4/26/2012 Devils @ Panthers NHL Playoffs (via DevilsHQ)

That clinched the series, and moved New Jersey on to the second round for the first time since 2007.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Welcoming New Jersey to the second round was the Philadelphia Flyers, widely believed to be the Stanley Cup favorites. Philadelphia defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, frustrating Pittsburgh into taking retaliatory penalties and completely knocking them off their game. Nobody picked New Jersey to win, and many didn't expect the series to go more than five games.

Philadelphia won Game 1, defeating the Devils, 4-3, in overtime. That would be the last time the Flyers celebrated a win. New Jersey went on to win four straight games, dominating the rest of the series. The Devils stayed disciplined, frustrating the Flyers, who admitted they didn't think New Jersey would be a tough team. The series winning goal came from David Clarkson, who's forechecking on Ilya Bryzgalov led to a soft goal:

David Clarkson goal off Bryzgalov giveaway - Devils/Flyers - 5/8/2012 (via ramblin223)

The win put New Jersey into their first conference finals since 2003. That year, with Pat Burns at the helm, the Devils defeated the Ottawa Senators in seven games before defeating the Anaheim Ducks for the championship.

How The New York Rangers Got Here: 2012 Eastern Conference Final Vs. New Jersey Devils

2012 NHL Playoffs, Rangers Vs. Devils: Eastern Conference Finals Begin Monday