The New York Rangers delivered a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against their cross-state rivals, the New Jersey Devils, on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. This win was a much-needed redemption for the Rangers, who had been outscored 10-1 by the Devils in their previous two matchups. The game-winning goal came from Sam Carrick, who capitalized on a feed from Reilly Smith with just 2:12 remaining in overtime.
The victory was particularly sweet for the Rangers,who had been mocked by the Devils on social media after their last defeat,with New Jersey comparing the Blueshirts to a “dumpster fire.” This time, though, the Rangers showed resilience, especially with the return of goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who had missed the previous four games due to an upper-body injury. Shesterkin made 21 saves, including a crucial stop on Dawson Mercer during a shorthanded breakaway in the third period.
The Rangers struck frist with a power-play goal from Adam Fox at 12:05 in the first period. Fox’s goal, his first non-empty-net score of the season, came off a faceoff win by Vincent Trocheck. Though, the Devils quickly responded, tying the game at 1-1 when Jack Hughes scored his 16th goal of the season—his fifth in three games against the rangers. Jesper Bratt then put the Devils ahead 2-1 with a goal at 8:28 in the second period.
The Rangers fought back, tying the game at 2-2 with another power-play goal, this time from Artemi Panarin, who netted his 17th goal of the season off a rebound from Mika Zibanejad’s shot. The game remained tied through the third period, setting the stage for carrick’s dramatic overtime winner.
key Moments adn Performances
Table of Contents
| Player | Contribution |
|———————-|———————————————————————————|
| Sam carrick | Scored the game-winning goal in overtime. |
| Igor Shesterkin | Made 21 saves, including critical stops on shorthanded breakaways. |
| Adam Fox | Scored the Rangers’ first goal and contributed defensively. |
| Artemi Panarin | Tied the game with his 17th goal of the season. |
| Jack Hughes | Scored his 16th goal of the season,continuing his strong performance vs. NYR. |
The rangers’ penalty kill was also a standout, successfully defending against all four of the Devils’ power-play opportunities. This was a meaningful enhancement from their previous meetings, were the Devils had gone 5-for-8 with the extra man.
The win improved the Rangers’ home record to 9-10-2 and marked their first overtime victory of the season. For the Devils, the loss extended their recent struggles, as they have now dropped four of their last five games.
This game was a testament to the Rangers’ ability to bounce back under pressure,and it sets the stage for an even more intense rivalry in future matchups. Fans can relive the highlights of this thrilling game here.
Rangers’ Overtime Triumph Over Devils: A Deep Dive with Hockey Analyst Mark Stevens
The New York Rangers secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night, marking a significant turnaround after being outscored 10-1 in their previous two matchups. The game featured standout performances from key players like Sam Carrick, Igor Shesterkin, and Artemi Panarin, and also a resilient penalty kill that shut down the Devils’ power play. To break down the game’s pivotal moments and what this means for the Rangers’ season, we sat down with hockey analyst Mark Stevens, a former NHL scout and current contributor to hockey insights Weekly.
The Turning point: Sam Carrick’s Overtime Winner
Senior Editor: Mark, let’s start with the game-winning goal by Sam Carrick. What stood out to you about that play?
Mark Stevens: That goal was a perfect example of composure under pressure. Carrick had been quiet for most of the game, but when Reilly Smith fed him the puck in overtime, he didn’t hesitate. He made a fast, decisive move to beat the goaltender. It’s those clutch moments that define players, and Carrick delivered when it mattered most.
igor Shesterkin’s Return: A Game-Changer
Senior Editor: Igor Shesterkin returned to the net after missing four games due to injury. How critical was his performance in this win?
Mark Stevens: Shesterkin’s return was massive for the Rangers. He made 21 saves, but the one that stood out was his stop on Dawson Mercer during a shorthanded breakaway in the third period.That save kept the game tied and gave the Rangers a chance to win in overtime. His presence in the net brings a level of confidence to the entire team, and you could see that in how they played defensively.
Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin: Power-Play Heroes
Senior Editor: The Rangers scored two power-play goals, one from Adam Fox and another from Artemi Panarin. How crucial was their contribution to the victory?
Mark Stevens: fox and Panarin were instrumental. Fox’s goal was his first non-empty-net score of the season,and it came at a crucial time to give the Rangers an early lead.Panarin, on the other hand, tied the game with his 17th goal of the season. Both players showed why they’re considered elite talents. Their ability to capitalize on the power play was a key factor in turning the tide against a Devils team that had dominated them earlier in the season.
The Rangers’ Penalty Kill: A Defensive Masterclass
Senior Editor: The Rangers’ penalty kill was flawless, shutting down all four of the Devils’ power-play opportunities. How did they manage to improve so drastically from their previous games?
Mark stevens: The penalty kill was a night-and-day difference from their earlier matchups. in their previous games, the devils had gone 5-for-8 on the power play, so this was a massive improvement. The Rangers were more aggressive in their positioning,and they did a great job of limiting the Devils’ time and space. Shesterkin’s return also played a role, as he made some key saves when needed. It was a complete team effort on the PK.
What This Win Means for the Rangers’ Season
Senior Editor: This victory improved the Rangers’ home record to 9-10-2 and marked their first overtime win of the season. How significant is this win in the context of their season?
Mark Stevens: This win is a huge momentum boost. The Rangers had been struggling at home, and to get their first overtime victory against a rival like the Devils is a big deal. It shows that they can bounce back under pressure and compete with top teams.If they can build on this performance, it could be a turning point in their season.
Looking Ahead: The Rivalry Intensifies
Senior Editor: the Devils had mocked the Rangers on social media after their last meeting, calling them a “dumpster fire.” How do you see this rivalry evolving after this game?
Mark Stevens: This game definitely adds fuel to the fire. The Devils had the upper hand earlier in the season,but the Rangers showed they’re not going to back down. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, I expect the next matchup to be even more intense. The rivalry is alive and well, and fans on both sides are in for some exciting hockey.
senior Editor: Thanks, Mark, for your insights. It’s clear this game was a statement win for the Rangers, and we’re looking forward to seeing how this rivalry unfolds.
Mark Stevens: Absolutely. It’s always a treat to watch these two teams go at it, and this game was no exception. Thanks for having me!
For those who missed the action, you can relive the highlights of this thrilling game here.
