Read the reports of the games played Tuesday in the NHL.
Rangers stun Devils in first meeting
Igor Shesterkin stopped 27 shots, Chris Kreider scored two power-play goals and the New York Rangers stunned the New Jersey Devils 5-1 on Tuesday night in Game 1 of this Eastern first-round series. .
“He was our best player,” Kreider said of Shesterkin. He plays with a lot of confidence. »
Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan Lindgren and Filip Chytil also shook the net for Rangers.
Adam Fox had four assists and Artemi Panarin added two in the seventh meeting between the two teams in the playoffs, the first since 2012.
When the Devils looked threatening, they either missed the net or Shesterkin pushed them away.
“I think some of our players didn’t handle the puck very well early in the game,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. It’s probably due to nervousness, stage fright. I think everyone in this room who hasn’t been in a playoff game now knows what it’s like to be in that kind of game, to experience that kind of atmosphere. »
Their only goal came on a penalty kick from Jack Hughes 2:46 from the end of the match. Vitek Vanecek made 18 saves.
The Rangers also won the special teams battle. Kreider scored on two of three playoffs and the Rangers stopped the Devils on four powerplays.
“We didn’t take advantage of our power play chances and that hurt us tonight,” said Devils captain Nico Hischier, who was heckled by the Rangers. The special teams, with hindsight and apart from that, I think we made an effort. We didn’t lack for effort tonight, but that’s how it happens sometimes. »
Rangers set the tone in the first 10 minutes and never looked back. They hit, blocked shots and were very physical around the net.
Game two is Thursday night, again in New Jersey.
Tom Canavan, Associated Press