1993-1994 Eastern Conference Finals: Rangers Win Series 4-3
Devils fans, look away.
For many Devils and Rangers fans who have loved their teams for a long time, the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals could be argued as one of the most memorable playoff meetings between the two teams. It’s worth noting that the Rangers were 6-0-0 against the Devils in the regular season. They had simply dominated and were mega favorites going into this Eastern Conference decider.
The President Trophy winner New York Rangers came in as the 1 seed losing just one total game across the first two rounds while the Devils were the 3 seed and had already faced a 1st round Game 7 against Buffalo and a 2-0 series deficit to the Boston Bruins.
After the first four games of the series, we had an even split of 2-2. The Devils were victorious in Games 1 and 4, while the Rangers racked off wins in Games 2 and 3. Additionally, both teams had double OT wins to that point with New Jersey getting an extra-time winner from Stephane Richer and the Rangers obtaining one from, and get used to this, Stephane Matteau.
After a Game 5 win for the Red and Black, the Devils had a chance to wrap up the series with Game 6 taking place at Brendan Byrne Arena. Then, Messier made “The Guarantee.” New Jersey would have a 2-0 lead with less than two minutes remaining in the 2nd period, but four straight Rangers goals including three in the 3rd Period from Messier would give the Rangers new life.
With the all important Game 7 set to go at MSG, the Rangers would hold a 1-0 lead until eight seconds left in the game, where Valeri Zelepukin would force OT to be the deciding factor. While we would end up needing two overtimes to decide who would advance to the cup final, Rangers fans will always remember how the aforementioned Stephane Matteau etched his name in hockey history, sending New York to the final dance.
They would go on to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Series Standout:
It would be pretty cruel if Matteau didn’t win Series Standout here. Not only were his three series goals second on the team but two of those goals ended up being OT winners, which made up for half of the team’s wins that series.
Series Sufferer:
For Devils fans, it’s tough to imagine what could’ve been if Scott Stevens had produced better during that series for New Jersey. After a 78-point regular season, Stevens only logged one point (on an assist) and had a +/- of -3, along with 16 penalty minutes.