In Newark, the New Jersey Devils were looking for a lift on Thursday night, coming off a 5-1 loss on Tuesday in Game 1 to the New York Rangers, they needed, and got an early power play strike from Erik Haula for a 1-0 lead in Game 2.
New Jersey held that lead into the middle frame, but the Rangers replied with three three goals to wrest control of the game in a 5-1 decision, again.
“It’s nice coming out of here 2-0, but we know it’s far from over,” Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said. “We’ve been in this situation before. You’ve got to keep playing it one game at a time.”
Vladimir Tarasenko started the New York offense gong when he scored about 10 feet higher up in the slot than he did in game with a wrister for the 1-1 tie.
Chris Kreider then went to work with Patrick Kane.
“[Kreider’s] able to get his stick on everything,” Kane said. “In practice, we do a lot of drills where shots are coming from the point and he just tips everything. It’s tough to cover that on a power play.”
Kane delivered to perfect shot/passes to Kreider for two power play tips ins from the right right for a 3-1 lead coming out of the second period.
“Just the way he carries himself, his presence, just seeing how he works and takes care of himself, there’s a reason he’s the player he is and he’s had the career he’s had to this point,” Rangers captain Jacob Trouba said.
Igor Shesterkin made 21 saves in the win.
Game 3 is set for Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
“The team has always been up for an incredible challenge and they’re going to battle to the bitter end,” New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said. “They’re facing some veteran players that have been through wars … but this group has a lot of heart. They’ve got a lot of desire.”
New Jersey was whistled for 71 penalty minutes, the Rangers amassed 65. It got really chippy in the third period.
The Rangers were 2-for-7 on the power play. New Jersey scored once on four chances.
Kane scored an unassisted marker at 6:34 of the third after making a steal and pushing the puck into the New Jersey zone where he chased it down, and veered to the crease for a slam dunk goal and a 4-1 lead.
“I just kind of picked the pocket of [Jesper Bratt] and pushed the puck ahead,” Kane said. “It seemed I had a step on their defenseman and Kreider and I were going on a 2-on-0. I was looking to pass to him but they kind of took him away, so I thought I’d take it to the net. It was nice to see it go in.”
The goal was his first in the playoffs with the Rangers.
“It’s special,” Kane said. “These are the moments you come to New York … for a situation like this. There’s going to be moments in the playoffs where you’re called on to step up and try and produce.
“It was nice to do that tonight. It makes it all worth it.”
Kaapo Kakko scored at 13:05 of the third after New Jersey cross checked Jimmy Vesey in the low slot, he fell to the ice, and dragged the offending New Jersey player to the right of the cage, giving Kakko a clear view of the goal for the 5-1 final.
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Vitek Vanecek made 26 saves in the loss.
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