Battle of The Hudson: Game 3

GAME 3

The New Jersey Devils made a remarkable comeback in game 3. After losing two back-to-back 5-1 games, the Devils won their first playoff game for the first time since 2018. This was the first home game for the New York Rangers after beating New Jersey twice at their home rink. Prior to the game, early Saturday morning news spread that Devils goalie, Viteck Vanecek, would most likely not be in goal. Instead, Akira Schmid took the net for the Devils, while Igor Shesterkin remained for the Rangers. Lindy Ruff also made the tough decision to scratch Miles Wood after many harmful mistakes in previous round games. 

The first period was twenty minutes of tough play on both teams, but no goals were scored. There were two penalties in the first, one on New York and one on New Jersey, in which neither team scored on the power play. 

After no goals in the first period, both the Devils and New York came out of the locker room hungry to get on the board. Chris Kreider for New York scored his fifth playoff goal of the first round (3:39) with an assist from Mika Zibanejad and Patrick Kane only a few minutes into the period. Soon after, during a power play for Jersey, Jack Hughes responded with his second goal in the playoffs (10:37) with an assist from Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt. The score prior to the third period was tied at 1-1.

Once again, a period containing no goals and few penalties. Regardless, the activity during this period was never-ending, with both teams battling until the clock hit zero. One penalty on the Devils resulted in a Rangers power play; however, no goal was scored. With both teams being tied 1-1 throughout the third period, the game was headed to overtime at Madison Square Garden. 

Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt had the incredible assist in the second period helping Hughes secure a goal. In overtime, Hamilton, with Bratt’s second assist of the game, scored the thrilling game-winning shot for New Jersey (11:36). Players on the bench leaped onto the ice joining their teammates in celebration of their first playoff victory this round. 

The Devils' win was much needed for New Jersey after two difficult losses. Coming into the first game in New York and winning, the Devils showed beyond a doubt that this series is anyone's game. For the Devils, continuing the defense shown during game three, as well as Schmid's shining performance in goal, could possibly tie the series and push for a sixth game. Waiting for Ruff’s word on who will be in goal and on the ice will be released a few hours before the game, but the likeness of Schmid being in goal is high after stopping 35 of 36 shots during Saturday's game. Monday night is crucial for both teams, as the Rangers lead the series 2-1, and the Devils are desperate for another win.