Battle of The Hudson: New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils Game 1

GAME 1

New York Rangers began their first playoff round on April 18th against the New Jersey Devils away at Prudential. Head coach for Jersey, Lindy Ruff, described the team as “a bunch of rebels” prior to Tuesday's game. Ruff was also the Rangers assistant coach from 2017-2020 as well as a blue shirt player himself from 1988-89 through 1990-91. 

As soon as the puck dropped, the Rangers quickly shut down Ruff’s assertion only five minutes into the first period, when Vladimir Tarasenko scored his first playoff goal with New York, also giving them an early lead in the game. The scoring streak continued when Kreider received Fox’s pass into the net for a power-play goal, giving the Rangers a 2-0 lead in the first. Heading strongly into the second, Blueshirt fans and players were ecstatic.

Only one goal was scored in the second, carrying the Rangers 3-0 by Ryan Lindgren about halfway through the period. 

The Devil's only goal in game one was scored by Jack Hughes in the third period as a result of a slashing penalty on Rangers captain Jacob Trouba. Hughes' goal was his first-ever playoff goal since joining the NHL. Filip Chytil concluded the game with a final shot from the blue line, New York winning 5-1. 

On four out of five of New York’s goals, defenseman Adam Fox had the assist, earning him four points for this game. Fox earned “Star of the Game” alongside Chris Kreider with 2 of his goals, making him the new playoff goal-scoring leader. Goalie Igor Shesterkin had 27 saves, only allowing in Hughes’ penalty goal. Coming up on Thursday's game, New York is bringing intense playoff energy, whereas a part of the Devils' playoff energy has been slightly dimmed, but there is certainly room for revenge that will carry over in game 2.