For the first time since 1994, the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils went to a decisive Game 7. However, the results were different. The New Jersey Devils played a near perfect game to defeat the New York Rangers 4-0. Akira Schmid shut the door to secure the victory and became the second goaltender in franchise history to have a shutout in Game 7.
After being down 2-0 in the series, the Devils roared back and won their first playoff series since 2012. It was a long time coming and here is how it happened.
Game Summary
First Period
There is nothing better than having this clinching game in your own building. New Jersey with the home crowd behind them came flying out of the gates. Despite this, the Devils and Rangers found themselves scoreless heading into the second period, but this period had great pace with each team trading chances.
The Devils outshot the Rangers in this period 8-6. However, the team would go on to dominate at five on five, with most of the Rangers’ shots coming on their power plays. New Jersey would out-attempt New York 18-9 that period and finish with a Corsi-for percentage (CF%) of 66.67. In addition, the Devils dominated the expected goals 0.78-0.19.
Special teams was also a theme in the first period. New Jersey, importantly, stifled the New York power play as it went 0-for-3.
Second Period
You never know where heroes will come from in Game 7. Just like the first period, the Devils came out flying in the second. The results for their efforts was two goals in the period.
On yet another power play for New York, New Jersey was the one that capitalized. On a great forechecking effort by Ondrej Palat, he found an open Michael McLeod. McLeod then fake out Shesterkin and slid the puck past him for the goal.
With Prudential Center already rocking, the place got to thumping. After a drive to the front of the net by John Marino, he slid a backhand pass to Tomas Tatar for his first of the series. As the horn sounded the Devils took a commanding 2-0 lead to the third period.
At five on five, New Jersey was out attempting New York 27-20, and scoring chances 20-8 in their favor. Their dominance was full force as the expected goal share was 1.97-0.77. New Jersey has finished the first two periods with an xGF% north of 70.00.
Third Period
Just like the first two periods, the Devils kept their foot on the gas. The Devils went on to score two more goals this period. Off an odd-man rush, Jack Hughes slid a cross ice pass to Erik Haula who roofed a shot to extend the lead.
New York would push the pace, but had no answers for Akira Schmid who continued to shut the door. Jesper Bratt would ice this game completely with the empty net goal. As the horn sounded, the Devils would win Game Seven 4-0.
Wrap Up
The New Jersey Devils played a perfect game. They defeated their cross town rival New York Rangers 4-0. Another playoff chapter in the rivalry history is closed. Akira Schmid secured the shutout victory and the Devils had four different goal scorers. Michael McLeod is credited with the game winner and Ondrej Palat had two assists.
Game Notes
- Akira Schmid secures his second shutout victory of the series. He went on to stop 31 of 31, and finished the night with a 1.61 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
- The team in front may not have been able to generate a lot, but Igor Shesterkin was excellent in net. Despite allowing three goals, he finished the game with 1.48 GSAx.
- After being smothered the first two games, the Devils’ penalty kill remains red hot. After going 4-for-10 to begin the series, the Rangers went 1-for-15 the rest of the way, including 0-for-4 in this game.
What’s Next?
The New Jersey Devils head south to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Game 1 is Wednesday Night.