Regardless of records, the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers usually entertain and always play a tough match.
Saturday afternoon was no different but this time the Rangers came out on top with a well-played 5-2 decision.
The game was marked with emotion as the Rangers sat three players who are most likely on the trading block.
Chris Kreider had a goal in win over Devils – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Ryan Strome struck twice, including a late empty net goal to seal for the Rangers.
“We just have to keep moving forward,” Rangers coach David Quinn said. “There’s a lot of things that go into this game that can allow you to have success, other than talent. Don’t get me wrong, you need talent, but you got to be mentally tough, well-conditioned, resilient and smart, and you got to play for each other in a structure. If you can do those things, you give yourself a chance night in and night out.”
The Rangers led 3-0 after the first period and seemed to let up a bit in the third period when the Devils scored early to cut it to 3-1.
Alexandar Georgiev made 19 saves to get the win for New York.
“In professional sports, there’s a lot of stuff going on, a lot of storylines, but it’s amplified this time of the year, so I think it’s just about trying to be a good pro,” Chris Kreider said. “We got veterans in here like Marc Staal and Kevin Shattenkirk, guys who have been around and been through it and they lead the way.”
Kenny Agostino and Andy Greene were the New Jersey goal scorers.
“Players got to be ready to play and we weren’t ready to go,” New Jersey coach John Hynes said. “We had guys playing different roles (in the absence of players) and learning on the job and today was by no means anywhere close to where it needs to be, and we took too many penalties.”
Jimmy Vesey, Kreider and Brady Skjei also scored for the Rangers who improved to 27-26-8.
“Physically, you’re ready to play, but mentally it’s a little different coming to the locker room and guys that are usually here, aren’t in the room,” Skjei said. “The way we competed, though, is pretty impressive with all the circumstances going on right now and the situation we’re in. For us to come out and put up five goals in a big win against Jersey is pretty impressive.”
The Devils dropped to 24-30-8.
“These guys have to realize they’re getting evaluated every minute of every day, and people aren’t going to stop watching,” Quinn said. “This is the National Hockey League and we have 20 games left so we got to keep playing. We’ve got to be committed to each other and they’ve got to be committed to their careers.”
[WATCH: All Devils at Rangers highlights]
Cory Schneider made 29 saves in the loss.
“I think we have to have a little more pushback,” Hynes said. “I don’t think we had a lot of physicality, I think we got out-competed, we got manhandled on the puck. I don’t think we had much pushback at all. We were lazy at times, so we have some work to do.”
Note:Â The Rangers played without Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid ahead of the trade deadline.
“There are a ton of emotions on a day like this and it’s a tough time of the year, but I’m proud with how the guys battled,” Kreider said.
Zuccarello was reportedly traded to the Dallas Stars for two draft picks.
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