In this morning’s three-game sweep of the NHL preseason, we start in Newark, NJ where the Devils were hosting their cross-river rivals the New York Rangers.
Derek Stepan scored twice in the third period to erase a one-goal deficit for the Rangers and give them the game-winning marker.
Stepan’s first came off a brilliant rush feed from Chris Kreider and the second came off a deflection of a broken stick behind the Devils’ net.
Raphael Diaz had two power play goals in the first period as he fights for a spot on the Rangers defensive corps.
In Halifax Saturday, the two-goal theme continued with Jeff Skinner potting a pair of goals in the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 win over the New York Islanders.
Eddie Lack got the start in the ‘Canes net and made 14 saves on 16 shots; he was relieved by Drew MacIntyre.
John Tavares, Ryan Strome and Ryan Pulock scored for the Isles.
In Toronto, Mike Condon made 17 saves in backstopping the Montreal Canadiens to 1-0 win over the Maple Leafs.
Dale Weise picked up the game-winner at 44 seconds of the second period.
James Reimer was in net for the Maple Leafs for the entire game and made 20 saves in the loss.
