The New Jersey Devils are in a very interesting spot. They are now in a 2-2 series tie after going down 0-2 to the New York Rangers. It has been impressive to see them make this switch in their play after things were looking really bad after the first two games.
Adjustments were made, and there were some personnel changes that allowed the team to come through with two big wins in a row. Now, they can’t be satisfied with getting back into the series. They can win this thing. It is going to take two more really good efforts in three potential games so all hands must be on deck.
If the New Jersey Devils are going to complete the comeback in this first-round series against the New York Rangers, these three things must happen:
1. Akira Schmid needs to keep dominating
The New Jersey Devils turned to Akira Schmid after going down 0-2 to the New York Rangers. He has been brilliant, as he has given up two goals in the two games this playoff series.
If he keeps up that level of elite play, the Devils will have a much easier chance to win. New Jersey played poorly in the first two games, but Vitek Vanecek wasn’t himself either.
We have seen rookie goaltenders dominate their way through the playoffs before and the Devils need Schmid to be the next one to do so if they are going to advance.