New Jersey Devils-New York Rangers Series Is Back To Zero

The New Jersey Devils looked cooked just four days ago. Things looked bleak after a second-straight 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers at home. Luckily, the Devils have been amazing on the road. Only the Boston Bruins have a better road record in the NHL. The Devils went into Madison Square Garden and won both games, allowing just two goals in their homestand.

Now, it’s a three-game series. The Devils tied the series 2-2, and nobody has an advantage. Akira Schmid came in and stole the show, stopping 57 out of 59 shots. The only goalie with a better save percentage than Schmid this postseason is Jeremy Swayman, and he played three minutes. Schmid has about the same goals saved above average as Igor Shesterkin, and he’s played two fewer games.

Jack Hughes has taken the bull by the horns, playing like a true superstar in Games 3 and 4. He scored the only goal in regulation on Saturday night, then he put another one past Shesterkin on Monday. He got a breakaway after Jonas Siegenthaler flipped a really good chance from the goal line to almost the center line. Hughes took it from there, putting Shesterkin on skates (literally and figuratively) while sliding it past the goal line.

Speaking of Siegenthaler, he scored the game-winning goal thanks to a beautiful offensive play. He started the rush with Nico Hischier’s line up ahead. Hischier got the puck on his stick, and he straight up beat Shesterkin glove side. It was a perfect shot put in the only place where he could score.

The Devils dominated play so much that MSG sounded more like a mausoleum. After Hughes scored, the place went quiet. It never really bounced back. Even when the Rangers finally scored, the Devils responded a few minutes later. It was just the Devils night.

Now, the Devils head back home. There was no guarantee the Devils would play another hockey game at the Prudential Center until September. Instead, Thursday night is guaranteed to be electric. The Devils seem to have their legs. The defense has taken over. Offensively, they are taking advantage of the opportunities.

Hopefully, the Devils can match this intensity for the home crowd. We have three days to prepare.