Battle of The Hudson: Game 7
GAME 7
New York Rangers season came to an unfortunate end on Monday night when the New Jersey Devils once again had a shut-out game, claiming them round one victors. They traveled to North Carolina to verse the Hurricanes on Wednesday, May third, for the second out of the Eastern Conference playoffs. It has been eleven years since the Devils have won a playoff series, and after the first two games, it seemed as though it might become twelve. Still, the team didn’t back down and battled the entire sixty minutes of each game, resulting in a win in game seven.
The first ten minutes of play went by with no goals. Thirty minutes into the game, McLeod put the Devils on the board, Tatar adding to the lead only minutes later. In the third period, Haula and Bratt extended the shut-out, the final score being 4-0. Very few New York players pulled their weight during the game, making it difficult to work together and find the back of the net.
The rookie goaltender for New Jersey, Akira Schmid, was put in goal after games one and two of the series where Vitek Vanecek disappointingly allowed nine goals for New York. After head coach Lindy Ruff made the change traveling to New York, Schmid held the Devils together in games three and four, allowing the series to become tied. In game five, the Devils secured their first lead of the series; however, with New York's final win of the season, it became tied once again, pushing for a game seven. In game seven, Schmid stopped 31 shots taken by New York, his second shut-out of the round against the Rangers.
Obviously, with New York fans disappointed about the loss, many are looking to point fingers. Eyes are obviously on players; however, like at the beginning of the year, speculation spreads on what Gerard Gallant is really bringing to this team. During an interview with the media, Gallant expressing dismay, said, “I can’t believe I have to answer some of these questions about me getting fired, brought up by the media. Disappointing.” Of course, Rangers fans are upset with the season-ending so early in the playoffs. Regardless, there is only so much a coach can do.
Demonstrated by players on the ice during the sixty minutes of game seven, it was clear as to who wanted to win it more; the young team from New Jersey was desperate for the series win. As the Devils approach game three of the second round, where the game will return to Newark, chants and cheers will echo through the Prudential Center. As the Blueshirts season concludes, they return to the city with defeat as fans begin counting down the days until New York Rangers hockey takes the ice once again.