Devils-Rangers Quick Thoughts
The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers squared off Thursday in a potential first-round playoff matchup and for the final time in the regular season.
The Devils held on after taking a 2-0 first-period lead to defeat the Rangers 2-1 at the Rock.
Vitek answers the call: After morning skate Thursday, I asked Devils Coach Lindy Ruff if this game was a test for his inexperienced goaltender. He was quick to say that Vitek Vanecek has answered the call every time so far, and that he expected him to do the same tonight.
How did the 27-year-old respond?
With an impressive 24-save victory, his 30th of the season. The number 30 is monumental around the Devils, and today number 41 only added to it. With the win, Vanecek became the only goaltender outside of Martin Brodeur to register a 30-win season in a Devils sweater.
Vanecek was excellent in the game, stopping all 23 even-strength shots and only getting beat after a poor Devils turnover left Chris Kreider all alone in front.
While there have been many doubts about Vaneceks readiness for intense playoff hockey, he sure silenced that doubt tonight in what felt like a playoff game against their hated Metro rivals.
Maturity beyond their years: The Devils biggest weakness is their inexperience. It is why they brought in guys like Ondrej Palat, who have been there and done that in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
But on Thursday, they did not look like a young group.
After jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first, Jersey watched as New York piled on the pressure. There were cracks in the armor, sure. But riding their goaltender, the Devils held their ground, allowing only 15 shots through 40 minutes of play against a highly-skilled Rangers club.
In the final minutes, their maturity was tested again.
Does it get any more intense than a 2-1 lead over your rival in the closing moments? Well, NJ not only stepped up, they took away most of the quality chances and Ryan Graves even kept his cool while sweeping a puck off the goal line behind Vanecek, likely saving the game.
“That was a fun game,” Graves said.
The Devils still have a lot to prove. But with only seven games left in the regular season, they have proven just about everything they can until the stakes are at their highest.
Let’s make it happen New York/New Jersey: Speaking of high stakes…
The Devils and Rangers look to be on a crash course for a first-round playoff matchup, their first postseason clash since Adam Henrique sent New Jersey to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012.
Have another look:
If that is the case, fans of both clubs, both cities, and hockey in general, should be eager to tune in.
Thursday’s tilt had just about everything. Loads of skill, plenty of rough stuff after the whistles, great goaltending, and some flashy goals that brought the crowd to their feet.
With the victory at home, the Devils finish their regular-season series with a 3-0-1 record against the Rangers. But when the puck drops in the playoffs, that record goes away, as we start 0-0 in a best-of-seven, do-or-die series.
What do you think Devils and Rangers fans? Are you cool with that?