As expected, this was a low scoring game that was played along the boards. Both teams played an aggressive forecheck, but the Rangers were the ones able to capitalize off two Devils defensive miscues. The score was 3-0, but the game was a lot closer than the score. Henrik Lundqvist, who picked up the shutout, was the difference in this game.

1-0 Rangers, Girardi gives them the lead

The ice at the Garden paid off for the Rangers, After a bouncing puck eludes Bryce Salvador, a hustling Chris Kreider picks it up after racing to it from the other side of the ice. With the Rangers changing, Dan Girardi isn’t picked up off the bench. Kreider holds the puck and spots the uncovered Girardi streaking off the bench. A soft pass to the point lets him skate into it and blast a slapper at full speed. Derek stepan creates the screen, and Martin Brodeur can’t see it. This goal happens because someone missed their assignment on Girardi.

2-0   Rangers, Kreider extends the lead

This goal is real easy to break down. Simply put: Anton Volchenkov blew his assignment. Kreider was his man. He went to cover Artem Anisimov,who was already covered. This allowed Kreider to slip in behind him. A perfect pass from Artie and Kreider has a wide open lane. He’s too skilled to not bury that.

3-0 Rangers, Anisimov seals it with an empty netter

This is another easy one to break down. The Rangers wound up with control in their zone despite being down a man. Ruslan Fedotenko drew two men to him, and shuffled a backhand pass to Brian Boyle. Boyle got it to Anisimov. Empty net, goal.

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