New Jersey Devils Vs. New York Rangers: A Playoffs History

1996-97 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals: Rangers Win Series 4-1

In 1997, many thought that this could finally be the Devils’ season to take down the Rangers. They were three points shy of the Presidents’ Trophy and had earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite having the better record, New Jersey hadn’t won again against their Hudson River Rival that season until March 27th and were 0-2-0-2 prior to that night.

After a 4-1 series win against Montreal with New York also winning Round 1 in 5 games against the Florida Panthers, it was time for the Devils to finally overcome the one thing it hadn’t. It was time to beat the Rangers.

Or not. This series ended up not being very competitive. While the Devils would lead 1-0 after a 2-0 Game 1 win, the Rangers would run the table across the next four games, outscoring New Jersey 10-3 in the process.

The Devils would be shutout in Games 2 and 4, and the Rangers would put the icing on the cake in Game 5 after an Adam Graves OT winner.

Series Standout:

Mike Richter was nothing short of sensational during this series. Never allowing more than 2 goals in a game, the 30-year-old had a save percentage of .978 throughout the five games and collected two shutouts as well. The Devils outshout the Rangers 183-128 over the whole series. Did not matter. Richter did everything he needed to do and then some.

Series Sufferer:

The Devils offense collectively takes the ‘Series Sufferer’ title here. New Jersey only scored five goals in the entire series and just three in the final four games. Sure, Richter deserves a ton of credit for that, but if you’re the #1 team in the East, you’re expected to do a little bit better than that.