New Jersey Devils pound New York Rangers in 4-1 victory - NHL Update
New Jersey Devils needed two points on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 against league best New York Rangers and got them both with a brilliant display as they ran out 4-1 winners at the Prudential Center.
The Devils put in one of their best performances of the season in the game and put down the marker for the game early in the first period stopping their better performing opponents from getting into their groove.
The big win puts the Devils up into sixth in the Eastern Conference with 79 points and boosts confidence throughout the locker room.
New Jersey meant business right from the start of the first period as Ryan Carter and Cam Janssen started two fights and won both with Carter ending the game for Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky.
Forward David Clarkson had nothing but praise for Carter and Janssen telling the media after the game that their victory in the fight contributed to New Jersey’s big win.
"Carter went out there early and fought ... and Janssen, as well. That's another reason why we won. We didn't back down. Those two weren't fighting for themselves, or for fun. They went out and did it for the front of the jersey."
The unnerved Rangers could not get into their groove and were on the back foot for the majority of the game.
However, the loss would not hurt New York too badly as they maintain their massive ten point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference but coach John Tortorella was unimpressed with the turnovers the Rangers conceded.
"We gathered ourselves in the second period ... but then there were just some details, some turnovers that were just ridiculous that cost us the game,"
The Devils took the lead early as Ilya Kovalchuk scored with less than a minute played after some brilliant skill from Zach Parise to make the pass. Kovalchuk was impressive as well cutting apart the Rangers defence and burying his shot past Rangers goaltender
Henrik Lundqvist.
New York though came out for the second period fired up and at 6:56 forward Derek Stepan pulled Rangers level with a powerful shot past Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur.
That though was the end of the Rangers fight back.
New Jersey once again controlled proceedings in the third period and two quick goals early on put the game to bed.
David Clarkson put the Devils ahead at 2:27 and two minutes later Ryan Carter capped his brilliant performance with a goal to put his team ahead by 3-1.
Patrik Elias finished up the game at 18:07 to give New Jersey a well deserved and much needed win.
The Devils will now face New York Islanders at home ice on Thursday, as they look to move up the Eastern Conference standings while the Rangers will hope to bounce back with a win over Ottawa Senators.
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