In Newark Saturday night, the New Jersey Devils’ Kyle Palmieri already two goals on the night before missing his hat trick early in extra time versus the New York Rangers.
That miss proved costly as the Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad scored 10 second slater to send the Blueshirts to a 4-3 win.
Chris Kreider’s deflection in first period gave Rangers a 1-0 lead – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Zibanejad is still recovering from a broken leg earlier in the season but showe the flash and hands on the game-winner.
“I’m just trying to take it a game at a time right now,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t want to look ahead too much. I just want to focus on the team winning, and me being able to get back to where I want to be.”
Antti Raanta made 35 saves for the win, none bigger than the final one on the breakaway.
“I am not sure if [Raanta] just got my stick with his skate or he made the save and I got the shot off,” Palmieri said of his overtime attempt. “It happened pretty fast. I didn’t get a chance to watch it.”
Chris Kreider, Oscar Lindberg and Adam Clendening scored for the Rangers in regulation.
Adam Henrique also scored for the Devils.
After taking a 2-0 lead, the Rangers let the Devils back in the game as they took a 3-2 lead in the third period.
“Give the Devils credit, especially the [Travis] Zajac line in the first (with Taylor Hall and Palmieri),” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. “I thought both teams competed and executed and it was an entertaining game. It was a good hockey game and we found a way to win it.”
Jesper Fast assisted on the Lindberg goal with a perfect fake shot and pass for a one-timer.
Clendening got the game-tying goal in the third period.
“It wasn’t going that well for us to start the third and we had to do something. I’ve watched these guys a lot throughout the year, and to help them out when I’m in the lineup is great. It’s definitely nice to get one on the board,” Clendening said after the game.
WATCH: All Rangers vs. Devils highlights
Cory Schneider made 36 stops in the loss as the Devils dropped to 25-25-11.
“I have to make that save in overtime and give my guys another chance. A lot of good things tonight, a fun game to play in, but obviously the way we lost put a sour taste in my mouth and our team’s as well,” Schneider said of the over time goal.
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