The New Jersey Devils have dominated their cross-Hudson-rivals the New York Rangers over the past two seasons.
But the Rangers finally struck back Tuesday, both literally and figuratively.
The Rangers dominated from the start of the game, then Igor Shesterkin dealt a blow to both Jacob Markstrom and the Devils by setting up a much-discussed goalie fight at MSG and winning the game 4–1.
The Devils lost for the second time in three games, with both losses coming against a Metropolitan Division opponent. Their sad number, where they will be eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention, is six.
devils were flat in msg
The Rangers have been one of the worst teams at home all season, and the Devils have skated circles around them the past two seasons.
But in a game the Devils needed to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, they were unprepared to play. New Jersey gave up nine high-danger chances in the first period and scored two goals, including JT Miller's power-play goal, his second goal at the Garden all season.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said, "I thought they were really good tonight, and we weren't nearly as good." “Defensively, we weren't as strong when it came time to defend.”
Devils captain Nico Hischier echoed Keefe's sentiments.
“They played more tenaciously,” Hischier said. "They wanted it more, and they worked harder. ... We couldn't find a way."
Markstrom made five saves in the first-period and stopped just 18 shots in the game. But the Devils got just eight high-danger scoring chances at 5-on-5 and surrendered 20 in all situations in the game.
“We have made life really difficult [Markstrom]Even when we didn't need to," Keefe said. "We've got to play better defense, and we've got to find ways to execute on offense."
Jacob Markstrom tried to shock his team by fighting Igor Shesterkin
The much-publicized goaltender battle between Markstrom and Shesterkin will be talked about for years to come. Rangers members applauded their goalkeeper for fending off Markstrom's challenge. But the Devils goalie explained why it was time for him to take on the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner.
“I felt like I needed to do something,” Markstrom said. “It's disappointing to give up four goals, and you want to get involved, you want to do something. As a goalkeeper, that's not really my job.
“We're down 4-1, and I was just trying to get a spark or something.”
Keefe recognized Markstrom's effort in trying to wake up his club by skating onto the rink and challenging Shesterkin to drop his gear, even though he took the brunt of Shesterkin's punches.
“It shows what a competitor he is,” Keefe said. “At a moment like this, where we are in the season, it takes a lot of courage, but it also shows that you are a competitor to skate on the rink without hesitation and go and do that, then put your stuff back out and go out and shoot a penalty, that's a pretty extraordinary thing to do.
"I thought he's a guy who has struggled throughout the game. If anything, a fight like this should send a message to the group about how much they're invested in [Markstrom] And we need the rest of the group at all times.”
